As Detroit (3-2) rested during their Week 6 bye, the Lions didn't get much help in the divisional standings. Their two NFC North rivals won their matchups this past Sunday.
Fortunately for the Lions, the bye week came at an excellent time, as both safety Brian Branch and center Cade Mays recently opened their 21-day practice windows.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said to start this week that both are expected to play in their upcoming Week 7 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
As the Lions prepare to return to action after their bye week, what happened elsewhere around the NFC North?
Here's a look at the updated NFC North standings, and a breakdown of how the other three NFC North teams fared in their respective matchups in Week 6:
NFC North division standings
- Minnesota Vikings | 5-0
- Green Bay Packers | 4-2
- Chicago Bears | 4-2
- Detroit Lions | 3-2
Minnesota Vikings:
Like the Lions,
the division-leading Minnesota Vikings also had a Week 6 bye and didn't play last week.
They return to action Sunday afternoon against the reeling Indianapolis Colts (2-4) at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. The Vikings have opened with wins over the Packers, Bears, Buccaneers, Dolphins, and Saints.
Kickoff between the Vikings and Colts is set for 1 p.m. ET. The game will air on CBS.
Green Bay Packers:
Green Bay secured their third consecutive victory on Sunday night with a 23-13 win over the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field.
Jordan Love passed for 276 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for an additional 1-yard score. Matthew Golden caught six passes for 104 yards and a score.
Green Bay travels to face Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Ford Field.
Chicago Bears:
After getting thoroughly embarrassed in their 31-7 loss to Green Bay on Oct. 11, Chicago bounced back with a 31-23 win at Atlanta (2-4) on Sunday. Quarterback Caleb Williams made his return from a three-game injury absence, throwing for 305 yards and a touchdown. Chicago's backfield scored three touchdowns against the Falcons.
Although the Falcons made a valiant comeback attempt from a 31-7 deficit, quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s late fourth-quarter fumble sealed the Bears' victory.
The Bears return to Soldier Field on a short week's rest to play the New England Patriots (4-2) on "Thursday Night Football."
NFC North Week 7 schedule:
- Chicago Bears: Thursday, Oct. 22 vs. New England Patriots (4-2) at 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video
- Minnesota Vikings: Sunday, Oct. 25 vs. Indianapolis Colts (2-4) at 1 p.m. ET on CBS
- Detroit Lions: Sunday, Oct. 25 vs. Green Bay Packers (4-2) at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX
- Green Bay Packers: Sunday, Oct. 25 at Detroit Lions (3-2) at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: NFC North standings update: Where do the Detroit Lions stand?
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