There's no such thing as a free win in the NFC North. It has ended all debates about which division is the toughest in the NFL this season. Through eight weeks of the regular season, no other division has four teams above .500. If the playoffs started today, all four teams would make the field.
In the toughest heat in football, the Chicago Bears are starting to emerge as frontrunners. Not technically, of course; the Minnesota Vikings still hold the top spot after taking their first loss of the season. But with a statement win over the Seattle Seahawks, the Bears established themselves as the division's most dangerous team.
The hierarchy of the NFC North shifted in a big way in Week 8.
NFC North power rankings after Week 8
Week 8 results:
- Packers beat Panthers 27-19
- Lions beat Vikings 19-15
- Bears beat Seahawks 34-17
1. Chicago Bears stake their claim as a Super Bowl contender
Jeffery Simmons needed four snaps to make his presence felt in Chicago. On the first play of the Seahawks' second drive, he beat right guard Grey Zabel immediately with a quick swim move and sacked Sam Darnold. The play was negated by a penalty, but the message stood: Simmons has transformed the Bears' defense.
Combine that impact with an offense that can make the defending champions look lost, and you've got a clear recipe for a Super Bowl contender. Caleb Williams looks as confident as ever in Ben Johnson's offense, and his pass-catchers are starting to step up for him.
The Bears still have a couple of roster tweaks to make before the trade deadline (another tight end would be nice), but this team is on a path to taking over the top spot in the NFC North.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 8th vs. Buccaneers
2. Detroit Lions crack the Brian Flores code to topple Vikings
The Detroit Lions' win over the Vikings was a battle fought from the sidelines as much as it was on the field. Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores continued to bring his exotic blitzes, but Jared Goff and Drew Petzing found the answers they needed to come out on top.
He doesn't draw many headlines or produce many highlights, but Goff is playing as well as any quarterback in the NFL right now. As the Lions' defense continues to get healthier, they'll be a real threat to take the lead in the division.
Detroit should already have its Thanksgiving matchup with Chicago circled as another chance to test its mettle.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 8th @ Dolphins
3. Minnesota Vikings finally pay for their offensive struggles
It had to happen eventually. The Vikings had survived the first seven weeks of the season without a competent offense, instead leaning on Flores' defense to keep opponents at bay. They don't have much of a running game, and Kyler Murray can't access the throws that Kevin O'Connell is asking him to make.
A trade could certainly be coming for the Vikings. Jonathan Taylor could help correct some of the issues with their offense, though the Indianapolis Colts may not be willing to give him up. If Minnesota doesn't change something quickly, it could quickly fall to the bottom of the division.
The Vikings don't get an easy bounce-back opportunity, as they'll face off against the Buffalo Bills in Week 9. Another loss might send them into panic mode.
Next game: Monday, Nov. 9th vs. Bills
4. Green Bay Packers stay within spitting distance of division leaders
The Green Bay Packers still have problems of their own. Even with Josh Jacobs back in the fold, their rushing attack is inefficient, and their receivers outside of Christian Watson and Matthew Golden have been MIA.
But the combination of another leap from Jordan Love and a surprisingly effective defense without Micah Parsons has the Packers looking like a serious threat in the NFC. Now that Parsons is set to return to practice, Green Bay's defense could become a truly dangerous unit.
The Packers face a three-game gauntlet against the Patriots, Vikings, and Rams in the coming weeks. If they can win two of the three, they'll be well-positioned for a Wild Card spot.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 8th @ Patriots
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