Packers: NFC North is still wide open after Week 4

The NFC North is wide open after Week 4.

The Green Bay Packers got back on track Sunday with victory over the Buffalo Bills, but they remain in second place in the NFC North, half a game behind the Chicago Bears.

Mitch Trubisky threw six touchdown passes (yes, six) to lead the Bears to a third consecutive victory in Week 4. They lead the division at 3-1, their only loss coming to the Packers due to a miracle comeback in the season opener.

The Bears have proven they are real contenders in the division. They could, and really should, have beaten the Packers at Lambeau Field three weeks ago. They’ve since gone undefeated, and enter an early bye week in a strong position.

The Vikings haven’t won since Week 1 and have now lost two straight. They enter a tough Week 5 matchup against the Super Bowl-champion Eagles at 1-2-1.

But Minnesota is only 1.5 games back on the Bears, and can close the gap with a win next week.

The biggest concern for the Vikings after four games is their defense. Expected to be one of the league’s top units, they have allowed 381.5 yards per game, putting them 21st in total defense. The Bears are fourth and the Packers sixth.

But it’s way too early to write off the Vikings. They have played two of the NFC’s top offenses on the road (Green Bay, LA Rams), and have been very good on offense (Bills game aside).

The Detroit Lions have made a slow start to the season, and are now two games back on the Bears after a loss at Dallas. But the Lions had chances to win that game, and after last week’s victory over New England, they have proven they can be a tough team to beat.

The Lions will need to show some consistency, but if they can beat the Packers at home in Week 5, they’ll be right back in the mix. Following a Week 6 bye, Detroit plays at Miami and versus Seattle.

The bad news for Detroit is that it has already lost three games, and can probably only afford three more defeats to maintain a playoff push. With two games against the Packers, Bears and Vikings still to play, as well as meetings with the Panthers and Rams still on the schedule, the losses to the Jets, 49ers and Cowboys might cost them in the end.

The Lions are the least likely to make a run in the NFC North, but there are three teams very much in contention for the division title.

After three wins in a row, the Bears have proven they are good enough to challenge in the NFC North.

Much like in 2012, the division has the potential to feature three teams with double-digit wins. But like that season, will the Packers finish in first place?