NFC North Rundown: Matthew Stafford’s start streak ends as Lions fall in divisional race

The bye is here for the Green Bay Packers, entering the off week on a high note with a triumphant win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The Packers’ defense bent but did not break in holding Christian McCaffrey a half-yard short of the end zone as time expired. Green Bay will look ahead to a date in San Francisco in two weeks with an 8-2 record and a top spot in the NFC North standings.

Elsewhere around the division, the Minnesota Vikings continue to keep the heat on Green Bay after an impressive road win in Dallas behind their defense’s own crucial late-game stand. And in Chicago, the Bears broke their losing skid in an inter-division clash with Detroit. But could there be a new quarterback addition on the horizon?

Details on that possibility, as well as last week’s change in quarterback in Detroit, make up a few headlines in today’s rundown.

Chicago Bears (4-5)

Won 20-13 vs. Detroit; Next at Los Angeles Rams

Stock up, stock down: Bears-Lions

The sub-heading says it all: “Good news: the Bears won. The bad news: There is still a lot of bad.”

Report: Cam Newton would accept trade to Chicago Bears

If the Bears give up on Mitchell Trubisky, they could be a destination for an established starting-caliber quarterback.

Why hasn’t Khalil Mack been getting sacks lately?

The loss of another starter on the defensive line has impacted Mack’s production and the way opposing offenses work to neutralize the All-Pro.

Detroit Lions (3-5-1)

Lost 20-13 at Chicago; Next vs. Dallas

Detroit Lions film review: Five observations vs. Chicago Bears

Does the offensive line need significant personnel changes? Improvements in strength and conditioning? That’s one area of continued weakness for the Lions last week.

Quarterback Jeff Driskel brings mobility as uncertain Lions look ahead

After 136 consecutive starts from Matthew Stafford, Driskel “functioned properly” in his first game as Lions starter.

Former Lions, Spartans wide receiver Charles Rogers dead at 38

The Michigan native and former second overall pick of the Lions in 2003 passed away far too early this past week.

Minnesota Vikings (7-3)

Won 28-24 at Dallas; Next vs. Denver

Vikings at Cowboys Week 10: Five Game-Changing Plays

A critical fourth down stop as the Cowboys were driving late made up one of the Vikings’ top plays of last week’s game.

Broncos meet Team Kubiak for first time since split

The Vikings’ assistant head coach and advisor will meet up with his former team for the first time since departing Denver as the Broncos’ offensive coordinator.

Report: Vikings Nose Tackle Linval Joseph Has Knee Surgery

Minnesota’s nose tackle is expected to return after minor surgery on his meniscus this week.