Packers and Bears competing for NFC North as Vikings lose again
The Packers are yet to play in Week 3, but the Vikings could already be out of playoff contention.
The NFC North is quickly becoming a two-team race. The Green Bay Packers have made a strong start to their division title defense with two victories in the opening two weeks, and they visit the New Orleans Saints tonight.
Elsewhere in the NFC North, the Chicago Bears pulled off a great comeback after turning to Nick Foles at quarterback, improving to 3-0. The Bears are serious contenders for the NFC North this season.
The same can’t be said of the Minnesota Vikings who, after yet another loss on Sunday, fall three games behind the division lead. After being outplayed in their opening two games, the Vikings looked to have bounced back this week against the Tennessee Titans. However, a couple of Stephen Gostkowski field goals in the fourth quarter gave the Titans a one-point victory.
NFC North standings ahead of Packers-Saints
- Chicago Bears (3-0)
- Green Bay Packers (2-0)
- Detroit Lions (1-2)
- Minnesota Vikings (0-3)
The Detroit Lions saved their season with a walk-off victory over the Arizona Cardinals. It was an impressive win on the road against a previously undefeated Cardinals team. Whether the Lions can play consistently enough to stay in the NFC North race is another question, but they ensured they remained within two games of the leaders.
The biggest news of the day is that the Vikings fell to 0-3, which puts their playoff hopes under serious threat. With the Bears undefeated and the Packers having the chance to match that later this evening, the Vikings need to be almost perfect to get back into contention.
Realistically, nine wins might be enough to secure a wild-card berth this season. To achieve that, Minnesota will need to go 9-4 the rest of the way. With another game with the Packers, as well as matchups with the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Bears to come, it’s a big ask.