Why Lions Should Get Edge Over Bears In NFC North Race In 2026

Can the Lions top the division and return to the postseason after missing out last year? FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd thinks so. 

On Tuesday’s edition of The Herd, Cowherd predicted his top two teams for each division heading into the 2026 NFL season and he offered a bold perspective for the NFC North.

“In the NFC North … Lions, Bears is how I see it.” Cowherd said.

“Lions have the best roster. They upgraded at OC,” Cowherd said, referring to the recently hired former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing as the new offensive coordinator in Detroit.

Cowherd also pointed to their previous campaign as proof of their ceiling under tough circumstances. 

“They won nine last year with a brutal schedule and a truckload of injuries.” With high expectations for their postseason trajectory, Cowherd stated, “I think Detroit could win the Super Bowl.”

The overall talent level on the Lions stood out to Cowherd across every major position group on the field. “Their skill positions: Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta—they are stacked.” 

He also praised the front office for maintaining strong investments along the offensive line to protect Jared Goff. Not only did Sewell receive a long-term extension two offseasons ago, but now they also added another tackle after drafting Clemson’s Blake Miller with the No. 17 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft.

“Penei Sewell is one of the best tackles in football. They addressed the other tackle during the draft,” Cowherd said, referring to 2026 first-round pick Blake Miller. “You know I love Goff. I think this roster is top three in the NFL. I’m going to take them to win the division.”

Cowherd wasn’t done there, as he also expects the Chicago Bears to remain competitive after making the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Not only did they make the playoffs, but they won a playoff game for the first time since 2010.

“The Bears’ first year with Ben Johnson, creating a culture and cleaning up a mess, made the playoffs,” Cowherd said. 

Cowherd sees steady growth coming for quarterback Caleb Williams alongside a talented surrounding offensive unit full of playmakers. After trading D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills, the Bears head into this season with pass catchers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III alongside tight end Colston Loveland.

“I think Caleb Williams will be more accurate,” Cowherd said. “He’s a young kid. He’s getting better, and I love their tight end, receiver, running back group.” Reflecting on Chicago’s foundation, Cowherd concluded, “Don’t like it, [I] love it.”