Caleb Williams is back, and he's here to take his division title. The Chicago Bears held off the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6, bringing them within a game and a half of the Minnesota Vikings at the top of the NFC North.
This division title race is going to be a close one, but the Bears are right in the mix even after missing their starting quarterback for multiple weeks.
As we turn our attention to Week 7, here's how the NFC North stacks up.
NFC North power rankings after Week 6
Week 6 results:
- Bears beat Falcons 31-23
- Packers beat Cowboys 23-13
1. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings watched from their couches in Week 6 as the Bears and Packers closed in on their precious division title. Minnesota remains undefeated, but it is losing its cushion at the top of the NFC North.
After a favorable matchup against the Colts, the Vikings play the Lions, Bills, Packers, and 49ers in consecutive weeks. That gauntlet is sure to give them their first loss of the year.
Next game: Sunday, October 25th vs. Colts
2. Chicago Bears
The Bears may have only beaten the Falcons by one score, but they were in control from start to finish. Williams was near-perfect in his return, and Dennis Allen's defense posted three dominant quarters before letting its foot off the gas late in the game.
Chicago's defense currently ranks in the top ten in both EPA per play and success rate. If they can keep that up, this is a sure-fire playoff team.
Next game: Thursday, October 22nd vs. Patriots
3. Green Bay Packers
The Packers have somehow recovered from their disastrous start to the season and are now firmly in the race for the NFC North title. Jordan Love was at his best in Week 6, albeit against a flailing Cowboys defense. If they get Josh Jacobs (who was removed from the commissioner's exempt list this week) back, Green Bay's offense could quickly become an elite unit.
When Micah Parsons returns, the Packers will be much more competitive on both sides of the ball. Their quick recovery has given the Bears another challenger in the division.
Next game: Sunday, October 25th @ Lions
4. Detroit Lions
The Lions desperately needed their Week 6 bye. While they're in a decent spot at 3-2, they have allowed at least 21 points in every game this season. Kelvin Sheppard's defense has been one of the NFL's worst and threatens to hold Detroit back from a playoff appearance.
Unless Sheppard discovered a fix over the bye week, the Lions are going to have a difficult time climbing the ranks in the NFC North.
Read more: Colts' Chris Ballard firing opens the door for a massive Bears trade
Next game: Sunday, October 25th vs. Packers
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