NFC North Rundown: Bears take down Tom Brady en route to 4-1 start

Hopefully well-rested and still undefeated after the bye week, the Green Bay Packers will travel to warmer weather this weekend. The Packers’ next opponent, Tampa Bay, may indeed be a contender in the NFC by the end of the season with Tom Brady in command. But the Buccaneers’ performance in a loss to Chicago last week left plenty to be desired and may have given the Packers some film to feast on in the days leading up to the matchup.

Speaking of Chicago, are the Bears who we think they are with a 4-1 record of their own? One metric suggests the Bears have been a beneficiary of circumstances thus far in 2020, much like another year in their recent history. And across the NFC North, Minnesota was a victim of some bad luck despite the odds being in its favor on a pivotal fourth-down call.

More on those situations, and some news from Detroit after the Lions enjoyed their own bye week, can be found in today’s divisional recap.

Chicago Bears (4-1)

Won vs. Tampa Bay, 20-19; Next at Carolina

3 things that stood out to Nagy in Week 5 win

While most of the focus has been on the offense, two areas the Bears succeeded in last Thursday were defense and special teams.

Chicago Bears: 3 Potential replacements for James Daniels

An undrafted free agent filled in after Daniels’ injury on Thursday night and could be the best option going forward in Daniels’ long-term absence.

Are Bears the worst 4-1 team in decades? One stat says it’s close

Based on DVOA, Chicago’s 2020 team might just be the second-worst 4-1 NFL team since 1985. The worst? Look nowhere other than Chicago.

Minnesota Vikings (1-4)

Lost 27-26 at Seattle; Next vs. Atlanta

Minnesota Vikings’ Mike Zimmer doubles down on fourth-down decision

Would he go for it again in that situation? The head coach says yes, but the decision backfired on Sunday.

After Further Review: Fourth Downs Allowed by Vikings Loom Large

Speaking of fourth downs, Seattle converted two enormous ones of its own against the Vikings’ defense in the final two minutes. Here is a look back at the pair of back-breakers.

Dalvin Cook’s groin injury does not appear to be serious

MRI results were promising for Cook, but the Vikings could still go the conservative route next weekend before a bye week and rest the star running back.

Detroit Lions (1-3)

Bye week; Next at Jacksonville

Detroit Lions coaches know why Matthew Stafford’s play has been mediocre

Footwork, more than injuries, may be playing a role in Stafford’s so-so performance this season according to his offensive coaches.

Opponents running wild against Lions defense

Aaron Jones and the Packers had success rushing against Detroit in Week 2, but they have been far from the only ones if judging by the numbers.

Lions’ Darrell Bevell ‘a Bit Surprised’ by Travis Fulgham’s Success

The former Lion and Packer, for a brief time, has burst onto the scene in Philadelphia after being let go.