Big wins, costly injuries, rising odds and falling hopes — Week 14 delivered everything but clarity in the NFC North, turning the division race into a pressure cooker with four weeks left.
Week 14 reshaped the NFC North standings again, with each team taking a dramatically different path as the playoff race narrows. Green Bay’s steady climb has pushed the Packers into first place, Chicago continues to cling to second after a narrow loss, Minnesota gets big win with a shutout, and Detroit stuck at third despite one of its most explosive offensive outings of the season.
The Packers (9-3-1) now sit atop the division after a 28-21 win over the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field, extending their dominance in the NFL’s oldest rivalry. Jordan Love finished with an efficient afternoon, distributing the ball to seven receivers while Green Bay’s defense held Chicago to just seven points in the second half. The Packers controlled time of possession and converted 8 of 13 chances on third down, a key factor in a game that never felt fully out of their hands.
Green Bay enters Week 15 as the betting favorite to win the NFC North at –220 and is expected to get reinforcements. Wide receivers Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden have returned from injuries, bolstering a roster preparing for a road test at Denver. The Broncos’ defense has been inconsistent, but their pass rush poses one of the tougher challenges remaining on Green Bay’s schedule.
Chicago (9-4) slipped into second place despite its solid record, falling 28-21 in a game defined by missed opportunities. The Bears’ offense moved the ball well early, but Caleb Williams did not play his best game throwing a game seeling interception, to seel their fate. Still, there was good news: Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson made his return this week, giving the Bears a major boost as they prepare to face the Cleveland Browns, one of the league’s most physical defenses.
Oddsmakers list Chicago at +270 to win the NFC North, still very much in the race with four weeks to go.
Detroit (8-5) sits in third place at +850 to reclaim the division title after beating the Dallas Cowboys 44-30 in one of the week’s most explosive showings. Jahmyr Gibbs scored three touchdowns and totaled more than 120 yards from scrimmage, while Jared Goff engineered multiple long drives that kept Dallas chasing throughout the night. Detroit’s defense allowed 30 points but forced the Cowboys into five field goals, holding firm in crucial red-zone situations.1
The Lions face a daunting matchup next week against the Los Angeles Rams, whose elite passing attack will test a Detroit secondary already hit by injuries. Safety Brian Branch suffered a torn Achilles in the win over Dallas, ending his season and stripping Detroit of one of its most versatile defenders.
Minnesota (5-8) remains technically alive but cannot win the division, even after its most complete performance of the season — a 31-0 shutout of the Washington Commanders. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy delivered one of his best outings yet, finishing with three passing touchdowns and no turnovers while completing over 70% of his attempts. Minnesota’s defense forced three takeaways, including two interceptions, and controlled the pace from start to finish.
The Vikings head to Dallas next week, where they will face a Cowboys team desperate to rebound after a loss to Detroit.
With four weeks remaining, the NFC North remains one of the league’s most unpredictable divisions — a crowded race with no margin for error and it will come down to who wants it more between the Bears, Packers, and Lions.