By james art Injuries are starting to mount in the NFC North, and it could have a significant impact on the most competitive division in football.
The Detroit Lions already had to adjust without star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, but there were even more injuries to star players in the division in Week 8.
Jordan Love, Jaire Alexander and Evan Williams avoided long-term issues, but could miss the Green Bay Packers’ crucial clash with the Lions this weekend. Detroit lost starting quarterback Malcolm Rodriguez, while wide receiver Jameson Williams is still suspended.
Not only did the Minnesota Vikings lose their second game in five days Thursday Night Footballbut also star left tackle Christian Darrisow for the season, an injury that could derail their division title dreams. It is so meaningful.
After an eventful Week 8, where does each team stand in the NFC North?
4. Chicago Bears (4-3)
hahahahaha. Do you know how tempting it was to just end the analysis there?
Okay, let’s stop laughing for a moment and dive into the plight of the Chicago Bears after their hilarious loss to the Washington Commanders. While the focus is on Tyrique Stevenson for stupid Commanders fans and then single-handedly losing the game to the Bears on a last-second Hail Mary, it’s easy to forget how bad Caleb Williams is playing.
The first overall pick completed just 10 of 24 passes for 131 yards and he also lost a fumble. The only saving grace for Chicago’s offense was its rushing attack, which racked up 196 yards and two touchdowns.
There’s still a lot to like about the Bears’ defense, which, barring a miracle, Virgin, limited the Commanders to 12 points. And, hey, the benefit of Williams playing so poorly is that the Bears can justify their fourth-round pick on a player.
3. Minnesota Vikings (5-2)
The Vikings fell back to earth after their bye week. After starting 5-0, they lost twice in less than a week. Even more troubling is the loss of left fielder Christian Darrisow, who is arguably Minnesota’s most important player, not Sam Darnold or Justin Jefferson.
All hope is not lost in the Twin Cities. Far from it. The Vikings’ 5-0 start has provided some margin for error, and there’s no shame in losing one-score games to the Lions and Los Angeles Rams.
Of greater concern is Brian Flores’ defense. His cover coverage has led to quarterbacks being fooled early in the season, holding their first five opponents under 30 points. However, in their two losses, Detroit and Los Angeles each reached 30 points, and Minnesota’s secondary had no answer for Pukka Naqua and Cooper Kupp on Thursday Night Football.
2. Green Bay Packers (6-2)
The Packers survived a potential trap game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It took a gutsy effort after Jordan Love suffered a groin injury on the first possession and later had to be replaced by Malik Willis.
While Matt LaFleur’s team found a way to keep pace with the Lions in the NFC North, it came at a cost. Love, Jaire Alexander and Evan Williams may have avoided major injuries, but the Packers aren’t out of the woods yet. They are all doubts for Sunday’s battle for first place against Detroit.
LaFleur said the upcoming bye week won’t affect decision-making. If the love is clear, he will play. If not? The Packers need to win again with Willis.
1. Detroit Lions (6-1)
Injuries and suspensions aside, the Lions might be the best team in football. They have outscored their opponents this season by exactly 100 points, a league high, and have averaged 43 points in their last four games.
The Lions humiliated the Tennessee Titans last week, scoring them 52 points before the end of the third quarter. Dan Campbell isn’t afraid to run up the score, especially when it comes to throwing passes to the offensive linemen against the Dallas Cowboys.
Detroit’s offense has been comfortably the best in the league over the past eight weeks. His defense finds ways to take the ball away with the second-most sacks in the NFL, but it’s possible to move the ball against this unit without Aidan Hutchinson. Easier said than done, but the Packers will need a tough script and look to control the clock even if Love is healthy.