It’s a Three-Horse Race in the NFC North Heading into October

Sep 25, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (2) reacts with tight end Irv Smith Jr. (84) after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Over the past few years, the NFC North has had a consistently dominant team rule the division: the Green Bay Packers. On the strength of back-to-back MVP awards from Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have put together 13 wins in each of the past three seasons en route to NFC North titles.

This season, some thought the Vikings could have a chance to compete, but they largely were considered a distant second. However, heading into the month of October, we have ourselves a three-way tie between the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings.

Each of the three teams have come out of their September schedules with records of 2-1, and the Vikings technically own the lead due to tiebreakers. They own a 2-0 record in the division after beating the Packers 23-7 in Week 1 and completing a comeback win against the Lions in Week 3.

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Despite their impressive starts, none of these teams have necessarily taken conventional paths towards these records. The Chicago Bears have won games despite Justin Fields completing just 51% of his passes through three weeks and averaging fewer than eight completions per game.

Across the NFL since 2015, there have been 22 games where a team has completed eight or fewer passes, per Stathead. Chicago has done it three times in three weeks and are 2-1 as a result.

Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers usually ride Rodgers on the way to massive point totals and one of the best offenses in the league. Through three weeks, the Packers have scored 14 or fewer points twice, and the story has really been their defense stepping up. Following the Vikings loss, the Packers defensive unit has allowed just 22 total points.

Truly, the Vikings have taken the most conventional route to their 2-1 record. They defeated their divisional opponents at home, including a few theatrics along the way. Then, the Eagles demolished them on the road in Philadelphia.

Moving into the new month, the Vikings begin to see a much more favorable schedule. This is promising as they hope to continue their winning ways. Minnesota plays the New Orleans Saints in London this upcoming week, a team that has scored just 24 points over the past two weeks. After that, they play host to the Chicago Bears. If Minnesota forces Fields to become a passer, they shouldn’t have too much difficulty winning that game either.

The schedule may be favorable, but the team still has to go out and execute. We shall see if the team can continue to pace the NFC North through the next month.



Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing as well as minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh can often be found training for a marathon, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his takes, NFL and otherwise, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken

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