Former Trojan Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears have climbed back to the top of the NFC North, but given how this division looks, there is no margin for error. The top of this division can look different each week, and the Bears know that. So do the Minnesota Vikings, who are no longer in first place.
Here are my takeaways from Week 9 in the NFC North from each team:
(7-2) Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears had their ugliest performance since their loss to the Minnesota Vikings. This game felt like the previous weeks for the Bears. Caleb Williams had 4 turnovers, and he looked far from an MVP candidate. Thankfully, for the Bears, their defense was elite. While the Bears did disappoint Sunday night, they still showed they are capable of winning the ugly games. How
the Bears looked in Week 9 is not a version of the team that I think will see again this season. The fact that they still won the game is very encouraging. When the Bears return, they will be close to full strength, and with how good they looked prior to this week, that is scary not only for the North but also for the whole NFL.
(6-2) Detroit Lions
Just like Chicago, the Detroit Lions were not that impressive. They, however, are 6-2, and there is a lot of confidence that this football team, when they're at their best, can compete in the NFC. Their defense has massively improved, and offensively they have no holes. I think the Lions are the Bears' biggest threat to winning the North.
(6-2) Minnesota Vikings
It was disastrous quarterback play again for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9. Things looked like they were headed for the worst. Minnesota made the necessary move in trading for Kirk Cousins. The Vikings' defense slowed down Josh Allen and made him look human for the majority of the game. If this team can get ok quarterback play, they will be a force in the NFC. Kirk Cousins has shown all season long that he can play like a more than serviceable quarterback. Justin Jefferson has to be ecstatic with Cousins returning, and now the Vikings offense should be back in business.
(6-3) Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have been playing like one of the best teams in the NFL. Jordan Love is a legitimate MVP candidate. Matthew Golden and Christian Watson have made even the best corners in the NFL look silly. The Packers, right now, are a problem. The return of Micah Parsons will make the Packers' defense elite. They are the last team in the NFC North standings, but if they played any team ranked above them, they should feel confident in that game.
Overview
The NFC North has not taken any breaks; this division is only getting better. It looked like the Minnesota Vikings were ready to fall completely off, but with Kirk Cousins now, they should be right back in contention for a Super Bowl. This division can be taken by any of the 4 teams, and that is not something that any other division in the NFL can say.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Caleb Williams now plays for NFL division leader after Vikings lose
