The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a bye week following a thrilling win over the Carolina Panthers, and the NFC North has changed little since that point. With one team having a bye week along with them and the other not playing playing until Monday Night Football, the standings will remain the same, but it's worth a look for a progress report, regardless.
Currently sitting at 8-0, the Packers are at least guaranteed a .500 season. Something tells us, though, that they'll get just above it somehow. Firmly perched atop the NFC North, the Packers continued their undefeated ways on Sunday with a win over the San Diego Chargers. It was a close game in which they were actually outplayed for a good portion of it, but two Philip Rivers interceptions returned for touchdowns were enough to seal the deal. Green Bay isn't going to lose this division lead any time soon, and next up for them is a Monday Night Football showdown with the Vikings on Nov. 14.
The Lions let out a lot of frustration in their last outing with a beatdown of the Denver Broncos. Detroit had just lost two straight games, to the 49ers and Falcons, after starting the season 5-0. Now they sit at 5-2, firmly in second place in the division and within striking distance of the first place Packers. They're a force to be reckoned with and have their sights set on the playoffs. Up next is a game against Chicago next Sunday.
Sitting at 4-3 on the season, the Bears are in control of their own destiny. They've mostly got Matt Forte to thank for their success, and their inconsistent defense to thank for their ... inconsistency. Chicago plays on Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles, and if they win, they'll move to 5-3 and within striking distance of second place in the division and, accordingly, the playoffs. If they lose, they'll get to 4-4, and the Vikings will have a chance to pass them up with rookie Christian Ponder taking the reigns.
For a full list of division standings, go here.