NFC North Week 14 Report: Bears, Lions, and Packers win, Vikings lose
By Adam Carlson
The NFC North got a little tighter after a loss by the Minnesota Vikings and wins from the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears in Week 14.
Week 14 of the 2017 season was an interesting one for the NFC North. The Minnesota Vikings could have earned a division title with a win during their contest or losses by both the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, but none of those things happened.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are looking to earn some respect and continue to develop their team chemistry. As a whole, there was a lot of great football in the division this week, so let’s break down the action from the week starting with the boys in Honolulu Blue.
Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It took every minute of the game for the Lions to defeat the Buccaneers and a 46-yard field goal from kicker Matt Prater with only 20 seconds left in the game turned out to be the difference. Matt Stafford added 381 passing yards in the game and connected with his tight end on 10 of the 11 passes thrown his way.
- FINAL SCORE: Lions win 24-21
- KEY STAT: TE Eric Ebron – 10 catches for 94 yards
- LIONS RECORD: 7-6
Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns
The winless Browns almost got their first win of the season, as they led the Packers through much of the game. Green Bay quarterback Brett Hundley got a touchdown pass to Davante Adams to force overtime where the Browns handed the game to the Packers on a silver platter with a wild Kizer throw on 3rd down.
- FINAL SCORE: Packers win 27-21 (OT)
- KEY STAT: WR Davante Adams – 10 catches for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns
- PACKERS RECORD: 7-6
Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers
Coming into this game, the Vikings had won 8 straight games and could clinch a playoff spot with a victory in Week 14. However. a strong run game and multiple miscues from the Minnesota offense and defense created opportunities for the Panthers to get a win thanks to former NFL MVP Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart’s ground game.
- FINAL SCORE: Vikings lose 31-24
- KEY STAT: RB Jonathan Stewart – 103 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns
- VIKINGS RECORD: 10-3
Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals
Neither of these teams is going to get a lot of national attention since they are on the outside of the playoffs looking in, but they both have some great players and playmakers that can make watching games exciting. Jordan Howard reminded people that he’s one of the toughest backs in the league while A.J. Green was quieted by the Bears pass defense.
- FINAL SCORE: Bears win 33-7
- KEY STAT: RB Jordan Howard – 23 carries for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns
- BEARS RECORD: 4-9
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- Predicting what the Vikings will do in the 2023 NFL Draft based on 2022
Week 14 matchups
- Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (Saturday at 3:30)
- Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday at noon)
- Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers (Sunday at noon)
NFC North Standings
- Minnesota Vikings (10-3)
- Detroit Lions (7-6)
- Green Bay Packers (7-6)
- Chicago Bears (4-9)
Next: Week 14 Ups and Downs vs Panthers
Once again, the Minnesota Vikings have an opportunity to earn the NFC North championship next week if they can get a win or if the Lions and Packers lose. This would clinch a playoff spot for Minnesota, but losing out would give a lot of hope to the Lions or Packers going forward.