The NFC North has been unpredictable this season. The Vikings blew out the Packers, got blown out by the Eagles, and then outlasted the Lions this week. The Lions have had strong performances in each game with disappointing endings in two. And the Bears somehow have two wins (what on earth?). Let’s get into this week’s games.
Chicago Bears
The Bears had a surprising victory over the Texans thanks to a strong run game. They won 23-20.
Game Notes
- Former Packer WR and QB Coach Luke Getsy hasn’t managed to get the passing game going with Justin Fields and Co, but he’s shown a talent for designing and calling a strong run game. This week, the Bears ended up with 281 yards on 41 carries in a revenge game against Lovie Smith.
- The run game was powered by backup Khalil Herbert’s impressive 20 carries for 157 yards and a 41-yard jet sweep by former Packer Equanimeous St. Brown.
- The defense looked better than it did last week against the Packers and managed to pick off Texans QB Davis Mills twice.
- Roquan Smith, mid-contract dispute, was the leader of the Bears’ defense. He put up an NFL season-high 16 tackles (2 for loss) and added an interception.
Former Packers
- Equanimeous St. Brown had the jet sweep and caught 1 pass for 20 yards.
- Lucas Patrick played 41 out of a total 67 snaps and had the team’s worst PFF grade: just 41.5
Next Week
Next week, the Bears take on the Giants in New York.
Vikings and Lions
The Vikings eked out a 28-24 victory over the Lions.
Game Notes
- In a game won by the Vikings, the Lions may have still been the bigger story. Third-year CB Jeffrey Okudah covered Justin Jefferson for much of the game and shut him down and the Lions outgained the Vikings 416 – 373.
- Jefferson, who ended the game with just 18 yards, has disappeared in the two games since he dominated the Packers in week 1. Both defenses used more press-man coverage on him than Green Bay did. It will be interesting to see how he responds next week.
- In lieu of a big Jefferson game, the Vikings offense was led by Dalvin Cook who had 96 yards rushing and a TD before separating his shoulder. He is considered day-to-day.
- The Sun God, Amon-Ra St. Brown, had another good game for Detroit, finishing with 73 receiving yards. Former Packer Jamaal Williams had the team’s highest PFF grade and 107 total yards after D’Andre Swift got hurt (again).
- A good rush offense and poor rush defense is becoming a trend for the entire division, The Lions, who have spent a lot of draft capital building up their d-line, have the worst defensive success rate against the run and the other three teams have been gashed at times.
Former Packers
- Jamaal Williams had a big day, to the chagrin of D’Andre Swift anchored fantasy teams.
- Za’Darius Smith had 2 TFLs and his first good PFF grade of the season.
- Chandon Sullivan, on the other hand, had another poor PFF grade. Watching Tom Brady target Keisean Nixon over and over again on Sunday felt like Sullivan was back in Green Bay.
Next Week
Next Week, the Lions play the Seahawks in Detroit and the Vikings travel to New Orleans to play the Saints.
Mike Price is a lifelong Packers fan currently living in Utah. You can follow him on twitter at @themikeprice.