Is there an offensive play caller in the NFL as quarterback-proof as Ben Johnson? The Chicago Bears head coach pulled off another win without Caleb Williams this week. With Tyson Bagent replacing Case Keenum under center, the Bears have now won games with three different starting quarterbacks this season (even if Bagent didn't technically start).
Chicago's win over the New York Jets kept them within striking distance of the top spot in the NFC North, but the Minnesota Vikings maintained their perfect record. It looks like it will be a heated race for the division title once again.
As we turn our attention to an action-packed Week 5 slate, here's how things stand in the NFC North.
NFC North power rankings after Week 4
Week 4 results:
- Bears beat Jets 23-12
- Packers beat Buccaneers 17-14
- Vikings beat Dolphins 15-10
- Lions lose to Panthers 32-26
1. Minnesota Vikings
For a 4-0 team, the Vikings sure have a lot of problems. Kyler Murray still doesn't look comfortable in Kevin O'Connell's offense, especially without Justin Jefferson. Now that the Vikings have sustained another major injury on offense, this time to guard Donovan Jackson, their outlook in the coming weeks is in question.
Still, Brian Flores has put on a month-long masterclass in defensive coaching. He's firing blitzes at a ridiculous rate, and it's working. For now, the path to the NFC North title runs through Flores.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 11 @ Saints
2. Chicago Bears
Chicago's win over New York wasn't perfect, but it was enough to push the Bears to a 2-0 record without Williams. They're set up to maintain their playoff push once Williams gets back, which is more than anyone expected when he went down.
The Bears will still need more form their defense, especially as their schedule ramps up. This isn't a complete team, but the first month of the season was as encouraging as it could have been. The Bears are right at the Vikings' heels, waiting for them to make a mistake.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 11 @ Packers
3. Detroit Lions
As potent as Jared Goff and the Lions' offense is, their defense simply can't contain its opponents. The Carolina Panthers put up 32 points on Sunday Night Football, consistently taking advantage of Detroit's weak secondary.
The Lions will improve when stars like safety Brian Branch come back, but even a fully healthy version of this defense won't be enough to stop the NFL's more dynamic offenses.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 11 @ Cardinals
4. Green Bay Packers
A Week 4 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did nothing to quiet the panic surrounding the Packers. They escaped with just a three-point victory against a team with an undrafted rookie starting at quarterback.
Read more: Marcus Davenport's retirement gives Bears no reason to ever make James Lynch inactive
Green Bay's offense has been hamstrung by a porous offensive line, and its defense isn't the same without Micah Parsons. Even with a 2-2 record, this season might be a lost cause for Matt LaFleur and the Packers.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 11 vs. Bears
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