NFC North Rundown: Dalvin Cook & defense lead Vikings to dominant week one win

With a defense that stole the headlines in the NFL’s kickoff to the 2019 regular season, the Green Bay Packers closed out a 10-3 win over the Chicago Bears last Thursday. Although the Packers’ new offense under Head Coach Matt LaFleur failed to ever quite find its rhythm during the evening, Green Bay’s newest defensive acquisitions proved valuable in preserving a tight lead. The Packers will return home for another divisional tilt with the Minnesota Vikings in week two.

The Vikings’ defense was formidable in its own right on Sunday with four sacks and three takeaways to cruise to a season-opening victory over Atlanta. With a healthy Dalvin Cook to pair with dangerous wide receivers Adam Thielen and Stefan Diggs, the Vikings’ offense will also provide a test for the Packers.

More on Minnesota’s promising first week, in addition to possible unrest in Detroit, in today’s rundown.

Minnesota Vikings (1-0)

Won 28-12 vs. Atlanta; Next at Green Bay

Vikings Blow Out Falcons: Game Notes

A lack of drama to close the game, as well as an elbow injury to cornerback Mackensie Alexander, topped the notes from a game one victory for Minnesota.

This is what Dalvin Cook can do. Vikings need him to stay healthy.

The so-called “White Tiger” rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns in week one, but can he stay healthy for 16 games?

3 Stats That Stood Out: Falcons at Vikings

Several Viking pass rushers sacked Matt Ryan in quick fashion, posting some of the fastest times to record a sack in week one.

Detroit Lions (0-0-1)

Tied 27-27 at Arizona; Next vs. LA Chargers

Wojo: After another absurd giveaway, can Lions get it back?

The Lions blew an 18-point fourth-quarter lead to finish in a tie. Did the team take its foot off the pedal on both sides of the ball?

Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia: I trust QB Matthew Stafford ‘1,000%’

Does Patricia actually trust Stafford? The quarterback was not so sure on Sunday.

T.J. Hockenson’s record debut gives Lions a glimpse of what’s to come

Detroit’s first-round pick set a rookie tight end record for receiving yards in an NFL debut.

Chicago Bears (0-1)

Lost 10-3 vs. Green Bay; Next at Denver

Your reactions about Bears vs. Packers

Windy City Gridiron compiled the Twitter reviews from Bears fans in wake of the team’s loss to Green Bay.

Is there a worse time for struggling Mitch Trubisky to face former Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio? Probably not

The Bears’ quarterback squares off against a Denver defense quarterbacked by former Bears Defensive Coordinator and Broncos first-year Head Coach Vic Fangio.

Bears notes: Trey Burton’s progress, O-line update, travel concerns

Chicago is optimistic that its starting tight end will be able to suit up for week two as the team gears up for a trip to the high altitudes.