NFC North Rundown: Division belongs to Green Bay after win in Minnesota

For the first time since 2016, the Green Bay Packers are NFC North champions.

In Matt LaFleur’s first year at the helm, the Packers were able to clinch the divisional title after thoroughly beating Minnesota for the first time at U.S. Bank Stadium. As Green Bay continues its quest for a first-round bye with a date in Detroit next week, the Vikings’ playoff seeding has already been determined and could factor into the team’s personnel next weekend.

Speaking of Detroit, the Packers are hoping to catch the Lions at a good time as their season has continuously spiraled downward. Will the Lions play spoiler next week or will they play for draft positioning?

Here are a few storylines as the regular season comes to a close in Week 17.

Detroit Lions (3-11-1)

Lost 27-17 at Broncos; Next vs. Green Bay

Lions grades: David Blough unable to make anything happen, defense folds late in Week 16 loss

After a promising start on Thanksgiving, Blough has tailed off over the past three games and received an “F” grade this week.

Wojo: For Lions, another blown game hurts, but also helps

Detroit’s loss helped the team move up to third in the draft pecking order, while the game also featured a return from a young offensive weapon.

Watch Lions’ Jamal Agnew become only player in NFL with punt, kick returns for TD

Agnew added a punt return score to his yearly tally, becoming the only player to amass both a punt and kickoff return touchdown in 2019.

Chicago Bears (7-8)

Lost vs. Kansas City, 26-3; Next at Minnesota

Three takeaways from the Bears-Chiefs game

Here are a few quick-hitters from the loss yesterday, including a rare 40-plus field goal attempt.

Chicago Bears: 5 things Matt Nagy did wrong in 2019

As the Bears failed to follow up with another playoff appearance in 2019, here are some ways in which the head coach struggled, including what one writer calls “fake accountability.”

Patrick Mahomes Reminds the Bears What Could Have Been

Mahomes outperformed Trubisky on Sunday and further reminded Bears fans of their apparent draft-day mistake in 2017.

Minnesota Vikings (10-5)

Lost 23-10 vs. Green Bay; Next vs. Chicago

Vikings’ Offense Fails, Allowing Packers to Overcome Turnovers, Win

Minnesota’s offensive line was exposed as the offense earned just seven first downs in the contest.

Aaron Rodgers does not forget: Packers QB fires back at Vikings who ‘jeered’ him after breaking collarbone

Green Bay’s win was extra sweet for Rodgers, who clearly remembers Anthony Barr’s hit and the fans’ reaction to his injury two years ago.

Vikings have many questions to answer in wake of Monday’s loss

Disappointment was all around in the locker room after the loss. Will Minnesota play its starters this week with the sixth seed already sewn up?