The NFC North did not waste time delivering excitement and a dose of the unexpected in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Former Trojan Caleb Williams led the Chicago Bears in a fantastic offensive debut. The Bears look like a team that should thrive this year. However, the NFC North will still be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL.
Here are my takeaways from Week 1 in the NFC North from each team:
(1-0) Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears offense made a statement in Week 1. They put up 59 points with ease and did not take their foot off the gas for a second. To make matters even more impressive regarding their offense, Colston Loveland was not a big factor at all. Caleb was extremely efficient and showed he is ready to reach new heights with his stardom. The Bears'
passing attack and rushing attack both were clicking on all cylinders. As impressive as the Bears offense was, there is reason to be concerned about the defense. The Bears defense allowed Bryce Young to throw for 361 yards. Although the Bears defense was concerning, they still showed they can get turnovers, and the young guys in the secondary looked promising. The offense may very well be able to carry this team to success.
(1-0) Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions themselves had a big offensive day. Just like the Bears, the Lions' defense did give confidence to a young quarterback. Tyler Shough threw for 410 yards. The Lions' defense still has much to improve, but this offense for the Lions should propel this team back to contention in the NFC.
(1-0) Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have the best defense in the conference. Brian Flores can win games this season just by how he calls a game defensively. Carson Wentz was not asked to do much, but he was still an improvement over the quarterback play last season. Whether it is Carson Wentz or it is Kyler Murray at quarterback, this team is too talented to be overlooked. The Vikings should be in for another winning season and a potential playoff berth.
(0-1) Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love played well, and it seems like Christian Watson answered the Packers' receiver questions. The Packers took care of business early in this game. They took their foot off the gas late in the 3rd quarter and gave up 4 straight unanswered touchdowns. That fell directly on how Matt LaFleur called the game. The Packers' offensive line also could not hold up much longer against an elite Vikings pass rush. This game revealed some huge weaknesses on a team that was poised for contention this season. The Packers will be without Micah Parsons for a couple of weeks, and there is no clarity on Josh Jacobs. This season could not have started any worse.
Overview
The Chicago Bears took home the NFC North crown last season, and with how their offense looked in Game 1, they are poised to make it 2 years in a row. Every team in the NFC North has their things to be excited about and some huge, potentially costly flaws. Each team has what it takes to win the division, which will make for an exciting end to the season.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Bears, Caleb Williams had to like what they saw in NFC North in Week 1
