NFC North Rundown: Vikings win on a walk-off after conservative second half

Thrilling. Frustrating. Head-scratching. Nail-biting. Euphoric.

Many words, including some of the above, could be used to describe the Green Bay Packers’ 25-22 overtime win over Cincinnati on Sunday. After an uncharacteristically off performance from Mason Crosby, the Packers ultimately survived on Crosby’s redemptive game-winner to move to 4-1 and remain atop the divisional standings.

Likewise, Minnesota was able to find some redemption of its own, coming out victorious on a game-ending field goal after two early-season losses in such a situation. But was it conservative offensive playcalling that put the Vikings in that position to begin with? Today’s rundown discusses the second half of the Vikings win, in addition to the corresponding heartbreak in Detroit.

Detroit Lions (0-5)

Lost 19-17 at Minnesota; Next vs. Cincinnati

Lions coach Dan Campbell in tears after gut-wrenching loss to Vikings

Always passionate about his position, Campbell expressed his sadness after a game-winning field goal sent his team to 0-5.

Lions receiver Quintez Cephus breaks collarbone; season could be over

The former Wisconsin Badger appears to be headed for injured reserve after what was a very promising beginning to his sophomore campaign.

Lions hopeful to get back Taylor Decker, Tyrell Williams this week

On a more positive note, Detroit hopes to welcome back a receiver to take on some of the targets previously given to Cephus.

Chicago Bears (3-2)

Won 20-9 at Las Vegas; Next vs. Green Bay

Game Recap: Bears thump Raiders in Las Vegas

Here is the summary of one of Chicago’s most “complementary” and impressive wins of the early season.

Tests negative on Bears’ Fields’ knee, still ready to roll

A hyperextended knee for Fields does not figure to sideline him this coming Sunday against Green Bay after being named the Bears’ permanent starter last week.

Roster Moves: Bears activate Trevathan from IR

Perhaps the bigger storylines from this article, outside of Trevathan, are the placement of running back David Montgomery on injured reserve and the injury setback for Akiem Hicks.

Minnesota Vikings (2-3)

Won 19-17 vs. Detroit; Next at Carolina

After Vikings final-minutes meltdown, kicker Greg Joseph hits field goal to beat winless Lions

Minnesota won in the final seconds despite not scoring a second-half touchdown for the fourth-straight game.

Cameras show intense moment between Cousins, Zimmer after Vikings win

Was the moment a personal attack between the two figures or just a celebration of sorts? You be the judge from these clips.

Unimpressive win over Lions highlights flaws with Vikings’ conservative approach

Running the ball consistently rather than taking shots downfield, especially on second-and-long, may have helped Minnesota keep Detroit in the game longer than the Lions should have been.