NFC North update: Bears win, Vikings lose before Packers host Lions
With the Packers not playing until Monday night, two NFC North teams were in action on Sunday.
The Minnesota Vikings lost after missing a 37-yard field goal as time expired — it’s already a good day for the Green Bay Packers.
All four NFC North teams lost in Week 1, leaving everything wide open entering the second round of games in the regular season.
The Packers host the Detroit Lions on Monday night, but before then, the Chicago Bears took on the Cincinnati Bengals, with the Vikings remaining on the road against the Arizona Cardinals.
Bears hold on for victory over Bengals
Chicago ends Sunday as the only team in the division with a victory after holding on to victory against Cincinnati at Soldier Field.
Andy Dalton got off to a good start against his former team, throwing the opening touchdown pass of the day to Allen Robinson, but he had to leave with injury later on, bringing in rookie Justin Fields.
Fields finished the day 6/13 for 60 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception, and he also had 10 carries for 31 yards.
Chicago held a 20-3 lead at one stage, but Cincinnati fought back. The Bears won the game 20-17. Perhaps the defining moment was a Roquan Smith pick-six in the fourth quarter.
Vikings miss opportunity for first win
The Vikings and Cardinals put on a show in a game filled with points.
Kirk Cousins impressed with 244 yards and three touchdowns, all to different receivers. Dalvin Cook had 131 yards on the ground.
Despite intercepting Kyler Murray twice, Minnesota’s defense allowed 474 yards of offense and 34 points. Even then, the Vikings’ offense put the team in position to win, setting up a 37-yard field goal attempt for a walk-off win.
But kicker Greg Joseph missed, giving the Cardinals a one-point victory.
Minnesota could easily be 2-0, but instead is winless after two defeats by a combined four points.
NFC North standings entering Packers-Lions
The Packers will get their opportunity to get victory number one on Monday night. Here are the updated NFC North standings before then:
- Bears (1-1)
- Lions (0-1)
- Packers (0-1)
- Vikings (0-2)