All articles tagged with #nfc north
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.
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.
The Minnesota Vikings signed Kyler Murray to a one-year, $1.3 million veteran minimum, a move ESPN calls an 'absolute coup' at quarterback that could re-energize the team in the NFC North if Murray recaptures prior form and connects with Jefferson, Addison and Hockenson.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Detroit Lions' 2026 opponents are set, with home games against Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, and several other teams, and away games including Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, and teams from the NFC South and AFC East divisions, based on their NFC North finish and season matchups.
The Chicago Bears clinched their first NFC North title since 2018 after the Packers' loss to the Ravens, securing a playoff spot and setting sights on a potential top seed, marking a remarkable turnaround under coach Ben Johnson.
The Chicago Bears clinched the NFC North division title for the first time since 2018, securing a playoff spot and positioning themselves as a top contender with a strong season under first-year coach Ben Johnson, highlighted by a significant turnaround in their offense and defense.
The Chicago Bears clinched their first NFC North division title since 2018 with an 11-4 record after the Packers' loss to the Ravens, securing a home playoff game. The Packers are now the No. 7 seed, while the Seahawks lead the NFC. The playoff field is mostly set, with the last spot going to the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game. The Bears, under new coach Eberflus, are in the playoffs for the first time since 2020, and their upcoming games will determine their seeding.
The Green Bay Packers secured a playoff spot after Detroit's loss to Minnesota, with the team still vying for the NFC North title and potential higher seeding in the playoffs.
The Chicago Bears secured a 2025 playoff spot after a dramatic overtime win over the Packers, combined with the Lions' loss, positioning them as either NFC North champions or wild cards, with their playoff seeding still to be determined based on upcoming games.
Caleb Williams led the Bears to a dramatic victory with a game-winning touchdown pass to DJ Moore in overtime, showcasing confidence and effective practice execution, helping the Bears secure a crucial win and position themselves for a postseason appearance.
The NFC North standings are tight as Chicago leads with a 10-4 record, followed by Green Bay at 9-4-1, Detroit at 8-6, and Minnesota at 6-8. Chicago has a strong playoff chance at 74%, while Green Bay's is at 88%, despite recent injuries. Detroit and Minnesota face tough remaining schedules, with Detroit still in playoff contention and Minnesota eliminated. The upcoming games will be crucial for division and playoff positioning.