NFC North Race: The next two games will be important for the Packers

Both the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears pulled off slim victories over the Giants and Steelers, respectively.

Similar to last years race, there are three teams in the division that having winning records.

You have the Chicago Bears, who are in first place in the NFC North with an 8-3 record.

Then you have the Detroit Lions, who have a 7-4 record and in third place in the division.

The Packers, after Sundays win against the Vikings are in sandwiched in there in second place with a 7-3-1 record.

The Packers next two games are against NFC North foes, the Lions and Bears.

Needless to say these next couple of weeks will be important for the Packers especially if they want to have a home game for the playoffs.

On a short week

The first task for the Packers will be dealing with the Detroit Lions as they had out on the road for a Thanksgiving day match-up.

The Packers defense dominated the game, not letting the Lions get a touchdown until the 4th quarter.

That was also the Packers debut of Micah Parsons, who was traded to Green Bay the week before.

The Lions offense didn’t look the same as the year before and couldn’t get the running game going.

But this isn’t the same Lions team that was showcased in week 1.

On the season the Jared Goff has 23 touchdowns and 5 interceptions so far.

Meanwhile on the ground Jahmyr Gibbs has found his grove and has rushed for 951 yards this season.

This includes a 219 yard performance against the Giants Sunday.

Defensively, Aiden Hutchenson has returned to his old form with 8 and half sacks.

Meanwhile Kirby Joseph leads the team with 3 interceptions.

The Packers will need to replicate their performance week one if they hope to dethrone the defending NFC North Champions.

While it is the NFL longest standing rivalry, the week 14 match-up might have playoff implications.

This depends though on the outcome of the Bears-Eagles match-up on Friday.

If the Eagles are able to beat the Bears, you are possibly looking at a battle for first place in the NFC North.

Ether way, this will be a big match up that could help or break the Packers playoff chances.

The Bears had the last laugh last year when Ciaro Santos kicked a game winning field goal to help the Bear get a 24-22 victory.

The victory left a sour taste in the Packers mouth and sent the Packers into the playoffs on a bad note.

This will be the first time Christian Watson will be playing the Bears since he tore his ACL last year against them.

The Packers will be coming off a mini bye and will have rested up for the game.

The Packers must set the tone against the Bears, who they haven’t faced this season.

But this isn’t the same Bears team the Packers played last year.

Ben Johnson is now the head coach of the Bears and the offense has looked good this season.

While they started 0-2, they’ve only lost one game since then.

Facing the Packers though, will bring a different test to a team that isn’t used to being in this position.

Last year the Packers only had one win within the NFC North.

That win was a narrow victory against the Bears.

While the Packers made it to the playoffs, being 1-5 in the division wasn’t acceptable.

So far this year the Packers have 2 wins in the division and could have 4 by the time week 13 ends.

These next two week could determine whether or not the Packers win the NFC North.

It is the first step for the Packers, if they want any chance of getting to San Fransisco and Super Bowl 60.