NFC North Standings After Week 5
By Adam Carlson
Nov 11, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) talks with Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) following the game at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Lions 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The NFC North is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. Each team has the potential on any given Sunday to beat any team in the NFL. Each team also boasts some of the NFL’s most dynamic and interesting players.
Here is a rundown of the current records and standings in the NFC North:
Sep 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) celebrates after catching a pass in the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. The play was ruled no touchdown after being reviewed. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions (3-2): The Detroit Lions are playing some of the best football they ever have. Fueled by newly acquired running back Reggie Bush, fearless passer Matt Stafford, and the unstoppable Calvin Johnson, their offense has been very tricky to stop…until this week. With Calvin Johnson out, the Lions struggled to get momentum and move the chains.
Sep 29, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) completes a two point conversion during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Lions won 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears (3-2): The new pieces of their defense have stepped up big time, and the Chicago offensive line looks better than last year too. That’s essential in giving quarterback Jay Cutler time to find Brandon Marshall, one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. As long as the passing game stays on target and running back Matt Forte can stay healthy, the Bears will be a threat to win the division.
Sep 22, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks to throw a pass during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers (2-2): The Packers are struggling. After losses to the Bengals and the 49ers this year, Green Bay is struggling to find its identity. When Aaron Rodgers is the Packers quarterback, you can never count them out, despite the terrible play from the offensive line. The defense is struggling as well, but is only giving up 24.25 points per game on average.
Sep 29, 2013; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) scores a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Martin-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings (1-3): Things haven’t been pretty for the Vikings. Their defense is giving up a TON of yards and points. Luckily, the team is also getting turnovers and staying in close games. All it takes is one lucky bounce for this team to tighten up their offense and continue to let Adrian Peterson lead the way.
After 5 weeks, this division is still wide open. There are a lot of games left to play. Even though things looked bleak for the Vikings after an 0-3 start, no team is really running away with the division. If the Vikings can go on a winning streak, they can be serious contenders for the division.