NFC North Rundown: Late Lions drop gives divisional edge to Packers, Bears

With a vintage Aaron Rodgers paving the way for the offense, the Green Bay Packers marched into Minnesota and put up 43 points in an opening-week win. The victory helped the Packers start off the season on the right foot, securing a tie in the early division standings with Chicago.

The Bears’ offense came to life in the fourth quarter to knock off Detroit at Ford Field, but a pair of factors, including defensive injuries and a key drop in the waning seconds, helped Chicago to the win. Some of those injuries could prove favorable for the Packers rather quickly in a Week 2 matchup against the Lions.

A few notes from Detroit, as well as some defensive panic from Minnesota, can be found in today’s rundown.

Chicago Bears (1-0)

Won at Detroit, 27-23; Next vs. New York Giants

Game Notes: Bears rally with 21 points in fourth quarter, defeat Lions

Here is a recap of the performance on both sides of the ball for Chicago on Sunday in the team’s fourth-quarter comeback, including an up-tempo offense that helped its quarterback think less.

4 things we learned from Bears position coaches

The newly-extended inside linebacker Danny Trevathan was one player in question following an up-and-down first week of action.

Report: Tom Brady turned down Bears offer because of cold weather

Reports indicate that the Bears were in on Brady during free agency, but the ex-Patriot did not want a return to cooler temperatures and opted for Florida instead.

Detroit Lions (0-1)

Lost vs. Detroit, 27-23; Next at Green Bay

D’Andre Swift’s drop was bad. Here’s what the Lions are doing about it.

From coaches to teammates, Swift received plenty of emotional support after a game in which his untimely drop played a significant role in the game’s outcome.

Report: Lions LB Jamie Collins won’t face suspension after contact with official

In one of the more bizarre events on Sunday, Detroit’s middle linebacker was ejected for a headbutt to an official.

Lions in tricky situation with ravaged secondary and new protocols for signing players

The Packers might benefit immediately from a Lions secondary that was already missing its first-round pick at cornerback and then saw two additional corners go down with injury.

Minnesota Vikings (0-1)

Lost vs. Green Bay, 43-34; Next at Indianapolis

Vikings vs. Packers Week 1: Five Game-Changing Plays

Daily Norseman looked back at five huge plays that influenced a Packers victory over the Vikings, including two pivotal Aaron Rodgers throws.

Five times we panicked about the Vikings defense under Mike Zimmer

Minnesota’s defense has rebounded after dismal showings before and the trouble against the Packers could be a teachable moment as the Vikings head into the second week.

Life without Stefon Diggs? Vikings run out of time to see new reality

Perhaps the most surprising part of the Packers’ dominance on Sunday was first-half time of possession, and the difference in time was among the all-time lows in Vikings history.