NFC North – Week 9 Divisional Recap

The Vikings have taken over the lead in the North, with the Packers stumbling. The Bears won this week, while the Lions had their bye week.

Minnesota Vikings          6-2

Green Bay Packers          4-4

Detroit Lions                    4-4

Chicago Bears                  3-5

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Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings had a bye in Week 9.

What is Next

The Vikings travel to Washington to face the Redskins in Week 10.

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Green Bay Packers

The Packers had another lackluster performance, losing at home to the Detroit Lions 30-17.

What they did well

Brett Hundley passed for 245 yards and had a rushing touchdown. He also led a pair of fourth quarter touchdown drives. Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, and Jordy Nelson combined for 16 catches and 146 yards. Hundley hit 10 different receivers. The Packers did not turn the ball over.

Where they needed improvement

The Packer defense did not do a good job. They allowed 417 total yards, including 361 passing yards. They allowed the Lions to convert on 8 out of 13 third downs while the offense was only able to convert 2 of 7. The Packers gained 153 of their 311 total yards on two fourth quarter touchdown drives.

What is Next

The Packers travel to Chicago to take on the Bears in Week 10.

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Detroit Lions

The Lions went into Green Bay and handed the Packers a 30-17 loss.

What they did well

Matthew Stafford threw for 361 yards and 2 touchdowns, as the Lions were able to find the end zone this week.  Stafford became the fourth fasted quarterback to 200 touchdowns, trailing only Dan Marino, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre. Golden Tate and Marvin Jones each had 7 catches for more than 100 yards, with Jones catching both of Stafford’s touchdown passes. The Lions held on to the ball for almost 37 minutes.

Where they needed improvement

The Lions were 0 for 2 in goal to go situations. Ameer Abdullah had a pair of fumbles down by the goal line, and one of them was recovered by the Packers. In a game where they jumped out to a big lead, they were not able to run the ball effectively. They totaled 64 yards on the ground. Abdullah and Theo Riddick averaged just 2.27 yards per carry.

What is next

The Lions come home to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 10.

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Chicago Bears

The Bears had a bye in Week 9.

What is Next

The Bears host the Green Bay Packers in Week 10.