In a division where momentum rarely lasts more than a week, the NFC North delivered another twist: the Lions now stand alone at the top, and the chase behind them is growing more desperate.
Last week brought a major shakeup in the NFC North. The Packers slipped to third place, the Vikings stumbled, and the Detroit Lions climbed into sole possession of first. In one of the NFL’s toughest and most unpredictable divisions, the next few weeks could bring even more movement. Here’s where each team stands entering Week 11.
Minnesota Vikings (4-5)
After a big win over Detroit two weeks ago, the Vikings came back to earth with a 27-19 loss to the Ravens. Second year quarterback J.J. McCarthy made his fourth career start, but this one didn’t resemble his breakout performance from the previous week.
Still, the Vikings showed fight. They led at halftime and held Baltimore to four straight field goals on its first four scoring drives, keeping the game within reach into the fourth quarter.
But expectations have cooled. At 4-5, Minnesota’s playoff hopes are alive but far from secure. The remaining schedule offers little relief, with two matchups against Green Bay still looming, plus meetings with the Lions and Seahawks. Their next test comes against the 6-3 Bears, a team the Vikings beat earlier this season, but one that looks much improved. A win would put Minnesota right back in the hunt. A loss could send them spiraling.
Green Bay Packers (5-3-1)
The Packers have now dropped back-to-back games, most recently falling to the Eagles on Monday Night Football. Once favorites to win the NFC North, the Packers have slipped to third place and are trending downward at the wrong time.
In my last article, I highlighted concerns about how the offense would function without tight end Tucker Kraft. Those concerns have only grown. Injuries continue to mount for Green Bay, including a significant one to All-Pro center Elgton Jenkins, who suffered a lower-leg injury. Head coach Matt LaFleur said it is “highly unlikely” Jenkins will return this season, a major blow to an offense already missing several key pieces.
The Packers now head to New York to face the Giants, who will be without starting quarterback Jaxson Dart. Veteran Jameis Winston will get the start instead, giving Green Bay an opportunity to get back on track.
But the road only gets tougher. After the Giants, the Packers face the Vikings before heading to Detroit for a Thanksgiving Day showdown that could define their season.
Chicago Bears (6-3)
It’s fair to say the Bears have exceeded expectations. Many analysts pegged them for another year near the bottom of the conference, yet here they are with six wins and legitimate playoff aspirations.
Chicago has benefited from the easier portion of its schedule, but credit is due to Ben Johnson, who has helped the Bears surpass last year’s win total before mid-November.
Coming off a victory over the Giants, the Bears will travel to Minnesota in an attempt to avenge their earlier loss to the Vikings. A win would move Chicago to 7-3 and strengthen its playoff positioning. A loss, however, could halt their momentum heading into a brutal stretch that includes matchups with the Steelers, Eagles, Lions and two games against the Packers.
Detroit Lions (6-3)
The Lions’ jump into first place has energized the fan base, but their lead will be short-lived if they can’t take down the Eagles this week. Detroit is coming off a dominant win over Washington and appears to be peaking at the right time.
Perhaps the biggest development: head coach Dan Campbell has taken over offensive play-calling duties. In his first game handling the offense this season, the Lions were nearly flawless, scoring on every drive and executing with precision. Campbell is now 13-3 in prime-time games, including 2-1 this year.
With the Eagles on deck for Sunday Night Football, Detroit has the chance not only to strengthen its hold on the NFC North, but also to take a significant step toward securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the second straight season.