As it turns out, the Chicago Bears aren't invincible. They received a brutal wake-up call in Week 5, suffering a blowout loss to what had been a sputtering Green Bay Packers team up to that point in the season.
Ben Johnson's team is only falling farther behind the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North, and now the Packers and Lions are both firmly in the race for the title. There's no need to panic over one game, but the path to home-field advantage in the playoffs is much less clear after Week 5.
Here's how things currently shake out in one of the NFL's toughest divisions.
NFC North power rankings after Week 5
Week 5 results:
- Bears lose to Packers 31-7
- Vikings beat Saints 23-13
- Lions beat Cardinals 45-21
1. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota's fifth win of the season was its most convincing so far. They took down the New Orleans Saints and looked buttoned-up on both sides of the ball in the process. Kyler Murray is finding his rhythm under Kevin O'Connell, playing within himself and limiting costly mistakes.
The Vikings haven't taken down an elite opponent yet, but their undefeated start can't be ignored. They already have a two-game cushion in the NFC North and still have a few favorable matchups on their schedule. They'll face a gauntlet of capable opponents in November, playing the Lions, Bills, Packers, and 49ers in consecutive weeks.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 25th vs. Colts (Week 6 bye)
2. Detroit Lions
Detroit's early struggles on defense seem to have clouded the public perception of Jared Goff and the offense. The Lions are currently tied for first in the NFL in offensive EPA per play and third in success rate. Goff has thrown 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions and is on an MVP pace.
A bottom-five defense will limit the Lions' ceiling this season, but this offense can keep pace with any team in the league.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. vs. Packers (Week 6 bye)
3. Chicago Bears
While Chicago's loss to Green Bay isn't a reason to panic, it shouldn't be ignored, either. This version of the Bears will typically need to score 30 points to beat competent opponents, and they simply can't do that consistently without Caleb Williams. Luckily, the star quarterback has a chance to return in Week 6.
The Bears have averaged 36.3 points per game in their wins this season and just five in their losses. If they're going to take home the NFC North title, they'll need to find more consistency on offense.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 18th @ Falcons
4. Green Bay Packers
One week doesn't erase four. The Packers were dominant on both sides of the ball against the Bears, but their struggles in the first four games of the season are still cause for caution. That said, Jordan Love was near-perfect in Week 5, and Christian Watson has become a true top target.
Read more: Jaylon Johnson showcased why Bears can no longer trust him in the secondary
When Micah Parsons returns to the field, this Packers team will still have a chance to steal the division title.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 18th vs. Cowboys
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