NFC North Rundown, Week 10: All is not well in Detroit

A matchup with a Miami Dolphins team starting Brock Osweiler at quarterback and devoid of healthy offensive linemen should have been no match for the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. And they proved not to be, as Green Bay won 31-12 and moved to 4-0-1 at Lambeau Field in 2018.

Offensively and defensively, the Packers played one of their most complete games as a team ahead of an upcoming Thursday meeting with Seattle. At 4-4-1, the Packers kept pace with Chicago, who sits alone at the top of the division, and moved to within one game of Minnesota, idle in Week 10.

Elsewhere in the NFC North, the Bears continued their winning streak with a win over the reeling Lions. Behind the steady improvement of Mitchell Trubisky and a new cast of receivers, the Bears’ offense racked up 34 points while sacking Detroit’s Matthew Stafford six times. After the latest struggle, changes may lie ahead for the Lions in the offseason.

Details on those persisting issues, as well as notes on Minnesota’s newest addition, in today’s divisional rundown.

Chicago Bears (6-3)

Won 34-22 vs. Detroit; Next vs. Minnesota

Mitchell Trubisky continues to raise bar in win over Lions

Trubisky had a near-flawless passer rating at halftime before finishing the game with a career high in yardage to go along with four touchdowns accounted for.

Mosher: New Chicago Bears WRs Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller are taking over

Much was made in the offseason about Chicago’s overhaul at the wide receiver position. Their two biggest acquisitions combined for 11 catches, 255 yards, and three touchdowns, and their individual performances are detailed here.

Return of Khalil Mack strengthens an already powerful Bears defense

The Bears’ superstar defensive player returned from injury and immediately notched two sacks. It appears Chicago’s caution in returning Mack too soon was perfectly exercised.

Minnesota Vikings (5-3-1)

Bye week; Next at Chicago

Ameer Abdullah Excited to Join Great Culture, Team and Atmosphere of Vikings

From one NFC North team to another, Abdullah gets a fresh start in Minnesota where he will provide insurance for Latavius Murray and the oft-injured Dalvin Cook.

ESPN takes a look at the future of the Minnesota Vikings roster

Fast-forwarding to the year 2020, here is ESPN’s projections of who may be on the 53-man roster.

Minnesota Vikings: Which divisional opponent do you have the most respect for?

Bears? Lions? Surely, it couldn’t be the Packers? A look at one writer’s thoughts and over 80 comments.

Detroit Lions (3-6)

Lost 34-22 at Chicago; Next vs. Carolina

In a game of bad plays, this was the worst by the Detroit Lions

Jeff Seidel paints a vivid picture of a critical third down opportunity the Lions’ offense had to stay in the game that resulted in failure.

Detroit Lions: Time to part ways with Matthew Stafford?

After 10 seasons without a playoff victory in Detroit, Stafford is under fire in the midst of a 3-6 season. Some believe the team should move on (though the money remaining on his contract might say otherwise).

3 things we learned: Lions GM Bob Quinn deserves blame for this, too

Stafford isn’t the only one on the hot seat. In addition to firing Jim Caldwell in favor of Matt Patricia, Quinn’s moves to shore up several positions have yet to pay real dividends.