NFC North Rundown: Despite early lead, Lions fall to Rams in Stafford’s reunion

Prior to the beginning of the season, the upcoming gauntlet of games on the Green Bay Packers’ schedule was widely viewed to be a make-or-break stretch. Although it may not end up being as daunting as originally thought, the Packers will enter a difficult mid-week contest in Arizona with some momentum.

Green Bay moved to 6-1 and maintained a commanding lead of the NFC North with its win over Washington on Sunday, proving the team can win ugly when needed. Across the division, Chicago and Detroit were not as capable. Chicago was throttled by Tampa Bay on the road as its passing offense sputtered once again. Meanwhile, the Lions dropped a winnable game against Los Angeles after taking an early lead against former quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams.

Today’s rundown recaps the Stafford reunion and a look at the Lions’ wide receiver situation, while checking in on Matt Nagy’s health and some headlines from Minnesota’s off week.

Minnesota Vikings (3-3)

Bye week; Next vs. Dallas

Vikings Trade Stephen Weatherly to Broncos

After just 82 snaps this year in his second stint with Minnesota, the defensive end was dealt to Denver this past week.

Lunchbreak: K.J. Osborn Adding ‘Extra Dimension’ for Vikings Offense

The 2020 fifth-round receiver has started to bloom into Minnesota’s third receiver behind Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson.

‘I’m Very Confident’: Vikings CB Cameron Dantzler Ready to Step In For Patrick Peterson

After a rocky beginning to the season and falling out of favor, Dantzler will get a second chance with the starting unit opposite Bashaud Breeland.

Detroit Lions (0-7)

Lost 28-19 at LA Rams; Next vs. Philadelphia

Recap: Detroit Lions’ bag of trick not enough to beat Stafford, Rams

Despite taking a 10-0 lead on special teams trick plays, the Lions still could not escape Los Angeles with a win.

Lions decision on Kenny Golladay looking smarter and smarter each week

Detroit decided not to use the franchise tag or an extension to keep Golladay in the Motor City, but injuries have continued to follow the talented receiver to New York.

Lions notes: Wide receiver Kalif Raymond becoming Jared Goff’s top target

On a depleted, injury-riddled Lions receiving corps, the journeyman Raymond has emerged as the go-to receiver.

Chicago Bears (3-4)

Lost 38-3 at Tampa Bay; Next vs. San Francisco

Game Recap: Bears routed by Bucs in Tampa

Three turnovers and zero third-down conversions in the first half led to Chicago falling behind quickly against a dominant Tampa Bay squad.

Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy says he tested positive for COVID-19

Following Sunday’s game, Nagy revealed a diagnosis which makes his coaching availability for this week uncertain.

A Historically Bad Bears Passing Attack

If the season ended today, Chicago would have the worst mark for passing yards per game since San Francisco in 2005.