The competition is strong in the NFC North Division. Each team has reason to believe it has a shot at the division and making the NFL playoffs. The Chicago Bears, led by Caleb Williams' ascent, are a force to be reckoned with.
Here are my takeaways from Week 7 in the NFC North from each team:
(6-0) Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings remain unblemished; however, they are not as impressive as their record indicates. Their defense is still doing the heavy lifting, while the offense strikes fear in no one. Kyler Murray has been good enough to make a play or 2 to win the game. His play and the offense's play as a whole will not cut it come time for the playoffs. It seems like it is only a matter of time before this team gets humbled. Their upcoming schedule could be exactly
what does the trick.
(5-2) Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are becoming more and more the exact team primed to make a deep playoff run this season. Caleb Williams is getting better and better every game. His consistent play has made the Bears' offense an efficient, well-oiled machine. With key guys returning and maybe some moves at the trade deadline, the Bears will take their seat back at the top of the division. This is the most complete team in the division.
(4-2) Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions gave the Green Bay Packers a nice slice of humble pie this past week. Detroit's offense has not lost its touch, and this is a team extremely capable of getting back into the playoffs and pushing to win the division. Their key guys on offense all played to their standard on Sunday, and when that happens, they are as tough as any to beat. They are getting healthier at the right time, and they could make it 2 weeks in a row stealing an NFC North win this upcoming week.
(4-3) Green Bay Packers
There may not be a team that has dealt with a worse hand in terms of injuries than the Green Bay Packers. They have had to shift to compete. They got Josh Jacobs back in the lineup last week, and Micah Parsons' return is coming on the horizon. While they will still be extremely competitive to finish the season, I think their injuries will be too much for them to overcome. I think 4th place in the division is right where they will be at the end of the season.
Overview
Teams in the NFC North division are getting healthier, and confidence is growing. As a result, it will be clear who the best team in the division actually is very soon. Meanwhile, the Packers, having too many injuries, will put their potential success this season on hold. Right now, the wildcard is still owned by the NFC North. With how things are panning out, I do think that will still be the case at the end of the season, with 3 teams in the North making the playoffs.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Minnesota Vikings remain unbeaten, but Caleb Williams can catch them
