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Nfc North

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Bears favored at Lambeau for first time since 2006 as Packers face third-down crisis
nfl2 days ago

Bears favored at Lambeau for first time since 2006 as Packers face third-down crisis

The Chicago Bears are favored by three points at Lambeau Field for the first time since 2006, despite starting backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. The Packers, who lost linebacker Edgerrin Cooper in Week 4, face a critical mismatch: their league-worst 26% third-down conversion rate against Chicago’s elite 24% third-down defense. While Green Bay’s offense struggles with dropped passes and penalties, the Bears’ run game leads the NFL, creating a significant disadvantage for the hosts in this rivalry showdown.

Packers Edge Buccaneers 17-14 Behind Evan Williams' Defensive Stand
sports3 days ago

Packers Edge Buccaneers 17-14 Behind Evan Williams' Defensive Stand

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14 in Week 4, returning to a .500 record. Safety Evan Williams was the decisive factor, recording an interception and a sack to seal the low-scoring victory. The win was marred by a potentially season-ending Achilles injury to linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who was carted off in the third quarter. Despite offensive struggles, including dropped passes and penalties, the Packers held on to improve to 2-2, while the Buccaneers fell to 0-4.

Lions Set Sights on NFC North and a 2026 Playoff Run
sports28 days ago

Lions Set Sights on NFC North and a 2026 Playoff Run

Sports writers and fans preview Detroit’s 2026 season, with most predicting the Lions will win the NFC North and contend in the playoffs, and some forecasting a deep run toward a potential Super Bowl. Predicted records span roughly 11-6 to 13-4, while concerns about the offensive line and cornerback depth are balanced by optimism about a complete, well-coached roster.

Cowboys Top Pick, Chiefs Faded, and NFC North Split in CBS Experts' 2026 Division Bets
sports1 month ago

Cowboys Top Pick, Chiefs Faded, and NFC North Split in CBS Experts' 2026 Division Bets

CBS Sports’ panel predicts the 2026 NFL division winners, with the Buffalo Bills reclaiming the AFC East and the Dallas Cowboys favored in the NFC East, while the Chiefs aren’t favored to win the division in the West. The AFC North is a mixed bag (Ravens vs Bengals), the Texans lead the AFC South, and the Chargers or Broncos win the AFC West. In the NFC, the Lions are the favorite in the North but the field is open with Packers, Bears and Vikings also in play; the NFC South is wide open between the Buccaneers and Saints; and the Rams and Seahawks contend in the West, illustrating a broad mix of convictions and value bets across divisions.

Lions forecast a 12-win rebound and deep playoff run in Madden 27 sim
sports1 month ago

Lions forecast a 12-win rebound and deep playoff run in Madden 27 sim

Madden NFL 27 projects a strong 2026 for Detroit: a 12-5 finish, a NFC North title, and a deep playoff run that sees the Lions beat the Eagles in the Divisional Round but fall to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship as the Chargers win the Super Bowl over Seattle. Jared Goff is 4,318 yards with 30 TDs and 5 INT, Jahmyr Gibbs rushes for 1,214 yards, and Jameson Williams leads a 1,000-yard trio with TeSlaa stepping up; rookie Derrick Moore anchors the defense with 13.5 sacks, while injuries are comparatively light.

Bears Set to Prove Critics Wrong in 2026 with Williams-Johnson Leading Charge
sports4 months ago

Bears Set to Prove Critics Wrong in 2026 with Williams-Johnson Leading Charge

The piece notes the Bears’ surprising 11-6, NFC North–winning 2025 season and the widespread belief they’ll regress in 2026 due to a brutal schedule and roster turnover, including key departures. It argues, however, that Williams’ second year in Johnson’s offense, improved health, and a favorable travel schedule could help Chicago defy pessimistic projections and even chase another playoff run.

Packers’ 2026 schedule breaks 24-year NFC North streak with no back-to-back division games
sports4 months ago

Packers’ 2026 schedule breaks 24-year NFC North streak with no back-to-back division games

Green Bay’s 2026 schedule is notable for breaking a 24-year streak of back-to-back NFC North games, spreading six division contests across Weeks 1–18 (Week 1 vs Minnesota, Week 5 vs Chicago, Week 7 at Detroit, Week 10 vs Minnesota, Week 16 at Chicago, Week 18 vs Detroit) with no consecutive division games. The layout could affect injuries and rest during the stretch run and marks a rare anomaly, while Thanksgiving-week planning around the Rams provides two recovery periods before the late-season push; time will tell if the change benefits the Packers or their rivals.

Murray to Minnesota Turns NFC North into a Tight 2026 Battle
sports-nfl6 months ago

Murray to Minnesota Turns NFC North into a Tight 2026 Battle

Kyler Murray’s arrival in Minnesota reshapes the NFC North, which is now viewed as a tight race for 2026. Detroit is ranked No. 1 thanks to its talent and the best quarterback–head coach pairing, with Chicago at No. 2, Green Bay at No. 3, and Minnesota at No. 4. The Lions look like the team to beat if health holds and defense shows improvement; the Vikings could push toward 10 wins and a wild-card with a steadier offense, while the Packers and Bears face questions about whether they’ve done enough to close the gap.

Vikings Extend Flores as Bears Lose Bieniemy in NFC North Coaching Carousel
sports8 months ago

Vikings Extend Flores as Bears Lose Bieniemy in NFC North Coaching Carousel

Minnesota keeps defensive coordinator Brian Flores on an extended contract amid ongoing head-coaching rumors, including interviews with the Steelers and Ravens, while Chicago loses Eric Bieniemy to the Kansas City Chiefs as offensive coordinator; Detroit’s coaching move is quiet with Drew Petzing named OC, leaving the NFC North in a quiet but active coaching carousel as Flores’ long-term status remains up in the air due to potential openings and his NFL lawsuit.

Bears coach Ben Johnson eyes 2026 after breakout first season
sports8 months ago

Bears coach Ben Johnson eyes 2026 after breakout first season

After guiding the Bears to the 2025 NFC North title and their first postseason win by a first-year head coach, Ben Johnson says he’s already focused on 2026, insisting there’s no resting on last season and that Chicago must start from scratch. He praised the team’s physicality, fundamentals, and poise, noted Caleb Williams’ development—with a franchise single-season passing mark of 3,942 yards—and said the group will tighten fundamentals, catching, and consistency when they reconvene in the spring as they chase another championship run.

Packers' 2026 Schedule Revealed
sports9 months ago

Packers' 2026 Schedule Revealed

The Green Bay Packers' 2026 NFL schedule has been announced, with matchups against teams from the NFC South and AFC East, as well as second-place teams from NFC East, NFC West, and AFC South, including home games against Minnesota, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Carolina, Buffalo, Miami, Dallas, Houston, and away games at Minnesota, Detroit, Chicago, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, New England, New York Jets, and Los Angeles Rams.