NFL 2025 preview, part 3: Northern moves

 You have heard by now that Dallas traded unhappy linebacker Micah Parsons to Green Bay on Thursday after things went south between Parsons, his agent, and Cowboys owner-head moron Jerry Jones.

However, that doesn't change the fact that the Packers aren't going to scare anyone just by adding Parsons at virtually the 11th hour. There's just too much talent in the division to give them a playoff spot, even if it's earned.

It's year 2 for Caleb Williams in Chicago. JJ McCarthy will finally see the field in Minnesota. You get the idea. They're chasing Detroit for a change. Never thought I'd type those words. The Vikings welcomed back receiver Adam Thielen (Carolina), giving McCarthy an extra weapon, which might be enough to get Minnesota back to the postseason.

Projected order of finish:

1. Detroit.

2. Minnesota.

3. Chicago.

3 (tie). Green Bay.

Moving to the AFC, we've discussed already how Pittsburgh basically swapped QB's with the Jests, as Aaron Rodgers stubbornly forges ahead, ignorant of the fact that he is and has been washed up for the last couple of years, missing most of 2023 aside. You know about the drama in Cleveland, as the Browns parted with Tyler Huntley (waived) and Kenny Pickett (traded to Las Vegas), and will go with Joe Flacco & rookies Dillon Gabriel & Shadeur Sanders. That drama might just make the Dawg Pound implode so badly, they may need Arsenio Hall to be a guest host at a home game. Woof! Woof! Huntley may just wind his way back to Baltimore, as he's used to backing up Lamar Jackson. DB Kyle Hamilton just got paid with an extension, and that won't be the end of the Ravens making sure their best players will remain with them long term. Cincinnati largely stood pat, because they didn't really need to add anything that they didn't already have.

Projected order of finish:

1. Baltimore.

2. Cincinnati.

3. Pittsburgh.

4. Cleveland.

Of course, I could be wrong. We'll check in with the South on Sunday.