This past week former Bears return man Devin Hester was on the “Up and Adams” show with Kay Adams where he made a pretty bold prediction.

That prediction? Three NFC North teams would make the playoffs. However, another bold prediction followed that was perhaps wrapped in some long-time pettiness which was the Lions would finish last.

“I feel like Detroit will be last,” Hester says. “I’m telling you with the OC change…Detroit the last three years were known for their offense. You take away them averaging 28 points a game, they lose a lot of games.”

It’s not absurd to think the Lions take a bit of a step back this season given the loss of both Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson who Hester credits for the Lions’ recent success before moving to Chicago. However, by this same logic, shouldn’t the Bears also have some growing pains given the massive changes within their own coaching staff? Sure, there’s no question Johnson is an upgrade over Matt Eberflus but there are no guarantees that Caleb Williams immediately adapts to Johnson’s complex offense this season. There is an excellent chance that it will also take time.

Not to mention the other question marks around the division, namely around the QB play. For instance, can JJ McCarthy run an NFL offense in Minnesota, and can Jordan Love rebound from a subpar 2024?

All questions we’re about to get some answers to.