Vikings News: Danielle Hunter, Dalvin Cook, NFC North, and MNF

Vikings improve in NFC North standings without even playing

With their game taking place on Monday, the Vikings haven't played in their Week 7 matchup yet. However, Minnesota still wound up rising to second place in the NFC North on Sunday, thanks to everything that went on with the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears.

So, how did each of the Vikings' three divisional rivals perform this weekend?

Lions

Week 7 Result: Lost 38-6 to the Ravens

After filling their fan base full of excitement with a 5-1 start to the season, Detroit was thoroughly humbled by Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

The Ravens scored on each of their first four offensive drives, and they jumped out to a 35-0 lead before the Lions were finally able to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Getting stomped on by Baltimore should be a wake-up call for Detroit and proof that they still have plenty to work on if they are going to be a legit contender in the NFC this season.

The Lions will get to take out their anger from Sunday in their next matchup when they host the 3-4 Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8.

Packers

Week 7 Result: Lost 19-17 to the Broncos

After winning two of their first three games this season, the Packers are now sitting with a 2-4 record after losing three straight matchups, and the post-Aaron Rodgers era is in full effect.

Denver led 16-3 midway through the third quarter, and the Packers actually climbed back to take a 17-16 lead in the fourth quarter. But a Broncos field goal and a game-sealing interception thrown by Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love resulted in another loss for the Packers.

After Sunday, Green Bay has now been outscored 63-6 in the first half of their last four games. Things are certainly much different for the Packers without their All-Pro quarterback leading the way, and thanks to their loss, Minnesota was able to move up to second place in the NFC North.

Next week, Green Bay and the Vikings will face each other at 12 p.m. CT inside Lambeau Field in the first of two matchups this season.

Bears

Week 7 Result: Won 30-12 over the Raiders

In his first career start in the NFL, rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent and the Bears cruised to an easy victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

It was never really much of a game, as Chicago led 14-3 at the half and 30-6 with less than six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. With the victory, the Bears improved their 2023 record to 2-5.

Bagent completed 72.4 percent of his passes for 162 yards and one touchdown. So nothing to really rave about, but Chicago is 1-0 with the kid as their starter, and they should feel confident with him starting under center until Justin Fields is healthy enough to return.