NFC North Rundown: In the end, division earns two playoff spots

It was perhaps the game of the year in the NFC North division as the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears battled with playoff positioning on the line on Sunday. In the end, both teams finished in the playoff tree despite the Packers coming out of the game victorious.

For the 13-3 Packers, the 35-16 win gave them a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. Chicago also qualified with Arizona’s loss, landing the seventh and final seed of the playoffs. Although the odds are stacked against them, the Bears will get their opportunity for a Super Bowl run.

More on the Bears’ probability, as well as a very controversial call in Minnesota’s win over Detroit, is in today’s divisional wrap-up — the final one of the 2020 regular season.

Chicago Bears (8-8)

Lost 35-16 vs. Green Bay; Next at New Orleans (wildcard round)

Bears not sweating how they reached the postseason

Chicago’s loss to Green Bay is not a concern to Matt Nagy, nor is his job status at the end of the season.

Bears given long-shot odds to beat Saints in NFC Wild Card

The Bears will open as 10-point underdogs versus the Saints, and they also have the second-lowest odds of winning the Super Bowl out of the playoff field.

Rumor: Bears targeting Chiefs Director of Football Operations Mike Borgonzi

One name was recently added to the rumor mill about a possible GM target if the Bears go a different direction with management at the conclusion of their season.

Minnesota Vikings (7-9)

Won 37-35 at Detroit

Under Mike Zimmer, Vikings have needed good health to reach the playoffs

Most years, injuries play a significant role in the outcome of a season and that happened again this season for the Vikings. However, this year’s health issues exposed the team’s lack of depth compared to some other years.

Vikings’ 2020 report card: Grading every player, from Kirk Cousins to Dan Bailey

From The Athletic, this article grades each starter on the Vikings this season.

Dan Bailey’s struggles continue with two more missed kicks for Vikings

A difficult finish to the season continued for Bailey, who missed another extra point and field goal in the season finale.

Detroit Lions (5-11)

Lost 37-35 vs. Minnesota

Ridiculous roughing call on Kirk Cousins sack sets up Vikings’ game-winning TD

The video in this article shows just how egregious the call was in a close loss to the Vikings.

Detroit Lions request interviews with 4 potential head coaching candidates

Robert Saleh headlines the quartet of potential options available as the Lions begin their coaching search.

Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater wins challenge, earns city free beer

A little bit of good news for the city of Detroit as Prater’s season-long field goal will give them some free drinks from Bud Light.