There were some interesting moments in the NFC North while the Lions waited and had final preparations before Monday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. We saw a team nearly blow a 28-point lead and another knock off a team that’s been decimated by injuries. Let’s take a quick run through the two games in the division Sunday.
Vikings defeat Packers, 31-29
At one point, this game was 28-0 in favor of the Vikings. Then, whether it was turnovers or muffed punts, the Packers slowly clawed their way back. Ultimately, it came down to an onside kick and, just like many others before, this one did not work for the Packers and the Vikings avoided the major letdown to improve to 4-0 while the Packers fell to 2-2.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold went 20/28 for 275 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He also added 15 yards on seven rushes and was sacked twice. Running back Aaron Jones, in his first game against his former team, totaled 139 yards (93 rushing) on 26 touches (22 carries). Wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown while fellow receiver Jordan Addison — in his first game back from injury — had 72 yards on three catches with a touchdown.
For the Packers, quarterback Sam Darnold went 32/54 for 389 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. Running back Josh Jacobs ran nine times for 51 yards. Jayden Reed led the way in receiving with 139 yards on seven catches and a touchdown. Dontayvion Wicks also had a strong day with 78 yards and two touchdowns on five catches.
The Vikings head to London this week to meet the New York Jets, while the Packers head out to Los Angeles to take on the Rams on Sunday.
Bears defeat Rams, 24-18
A back-and-forth battle that saw the Rams stall out and get away from the run at inopportune times helped the Bears gain momentum and hold off the Rams on a game-winning interception of Matthew Stafford to seal a 24-18 win at home. The Bears move to 2-2 while the Rams fell to 1-3 — and would be 0-4 if they didn’t have that comeback against the 49ers.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed 17 of 23 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown and was sacked three times. Running back D’Andre Swift had 93 rushing yards on 16 attempts, including a 36-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He also led the Bears in receiving with 72 yards on seven catches. That’s 165 total yards on 23 touches.
Next week, the Bears face the team that helped land them Caleb Williams, the Carolina Panthers. Then it’s their turn to go to London in Week 6 when they face the Jaguars.
NFC North standings entering Monday
1. Minnesota Vikings 4-0
2. Detroit Lions 2-1
3. Green Bay Packers 2-2
4. Chicago Bears 2-2