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A dismal showing on the road resulted in four losses for the NFC North last weekend, including for the Green Bay Packers in a 26-11 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers. With a 7-2 start, the Packers might get a pass for a game in which the offense struggled to wake up and the defense had trouble shortening drives. Fortunately for Green Bay, the team did not lose ground in the divisional standings.
A pair of last-second losses for Detroit and Minnesota helped the Packers stay at the top, while Chicago lost its re-match with Philadelphia after the heartbreaking playoff loss a season ago. The Bears’ offensive issues continued, with several young players failing to find their groove in year two. On the other hand, a few less noteworthy offensive names made an impact for the Lions and Vikings in the wake of injuries.
Some news on the skill positions, as well as a curious road stat for the Vikings, can be found in today’s rundown.
Chicago Bears (3-5)
Lost 22-14 at Philadelphia; Next vs. Detroit
Stock up, stock down: Bears-Eagles
Some sophomore slumps, particularly last weekend, from former top picks have been a few reasons behind the team’s disappointing campaign.
3 things we heard at Halas Hall on Tuesday, including Mike Davis staying upbeat as the Bears weigh his future
One of Chicago’s offseason acquisitions could be released this week, possibly netting the Bears an extra day-three draft pick.
Sportsbook Refunds Mitchell Trubisky MVP Wagers
More trick than treat, betters on Trubisky to win the NFL’s MVP award may be getting their money back.
Detroit Lions (3-4-1)
Lost 31-24 at Oakland; Next at Chicago
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell explains final play call vs. Raiders
An ill-fated play-action pass on fourth-and-goal with three seconds to play doomed the Lions and dropped them into a gloomy spot after starting the season strong.
Four Downs: Passion of Lions’ Jarrad Davis can’t compensate for his mistakes
Missed tackles, over-run gaps, and struggles in coverage have plagued the Lions’ inside linebacker in 2019.
Lions’ Christian Jones ‘continually gets better,’ hence the two-year extension
Meanwhile, a different Detroit linebacker earned an extended deal in a contract year.
Minnesota Vikings (6-3)
Lost 26-23 at Kansas City; Next at Dallas
3 silver linings from the Vikings’ loss to the Chiefs in Week 9
Several seldom-used offensive skill position players stepped up for Minnesota in Kansas City, a silver-lining to another road loss.
Why can’t the Vikings win outdoors on grass?
Minnesota has struggled against quality opponents on the road since the beginning of Mike Zimmer’s tenure.
Josh Doctson hopes to make Vikings debut back home vs. Cowboys
The former Washington receiver is healthy once again and may debut in a purple and gold uniform this week, especially with Adam Thielen expected to sit.