NFC North Rundown: Are the Bears the best team in the conference?

It felt like an eternity, but the Green Bay Packers (5-7-1) finally captured a win for the first time in four games on Sunday with a 34-20 beating of Atlanta. In what was only the Packers’ second win in seven games, Joe Philbin earned his first victory as Green Bay interim head coach. The Packers will try to win back-to-back games for the first time all season this Sunday.

Standing in their way are the Chicago Bears, who find themselves potentially one “W” away from a playoff spot. A somewhat surprising victory over the Rams on Sunday night stretched the Bears’ divisional lead another game, while providing fans with a sense that Chicago may be the best team in the NFC. In a rivalry that has favored Green Bay largely over the past decade, the Packers will be looking to crash Chicago’s party once again.

More on the Bears’ postseason opportunity and the Minnesota Vikings’ inability to get over the prime time hump in today’s NFC North rundown.

Detroit Lions (5-8)

Won 17-3 at Arizona; Next at Buffalo

Ezekiel Ansah may have played his last game for the Detroit Lions

Carted off the field with an apparent shoulder injury, the Lions’ defensive end may have suited up in a Detroit uniform for the final time.

Detroit Lions stock watch: Jarrad Davis continues his encouraging play

The second-year linebacker paired up with all-pro cornerback Darius Slay to provide the Lions with a solid defensive showing on the road.

Detroit Lions haven’t completely blown chance at high draft pick – yet

Detroit dropped from the fifth pick of the upcoming NFL Draft to the 10th, but remain in the market for a quality draft pick come April.

Chicago Bears (9-4)

Won 15-6 vs. Los Angeles Rams; Next vs. Green Bay

Bears’ Mitchell Trubisky promises to play better after shaky return

After missing the previous two games with injury, Trubisky finished the game with just 110 yards and a startling three interceptions.

Chicago Bears: Game balls after beating the Rams

The entire defense earns one of the game balls for containing the potent Rams offense to just six points.

Chicago Bears Could Clinch Playoff Berth Next Week

It’s actually happening. If a few things go right next week, the Bears could actually clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2010.

Minnesota Vikings (6-6-1)

Lost 21-7 at Seattle; Next vs. Miami

The Vikings’ signing of Kirk Cousins seemed like such a good idea at the time

Booger McFarland was especially critical of Cousins after last night’s performance and many are beginning to feel the Vikings will pay greatly (pun intended) for their signing decision.

5 Takeaways from the Vikings Loss to the Seahawks

An officiating mistake on a field goal attempt that halted momentum is one of several post-game thoughts from Minnesota’s loss in Seattle.

Vikings’ Thielen hits 100-reception mark for season

The Vikings’ budding star became the first Minnesota receiver to eclipse the 100-reception mark since Randy Moss in 2003.