Last week, I wrote that the NFC North would soon be known as the best rushing division in the league. It might also be known as the division with the worst defenses. The Packers gave up a crucial 4th quarter scoring drive to a team with a third-string rookie QB who was playing for, checks notes, Houston Baptist two years ago. The Lions gave up 48 points to Geno Smith. The Vikings gave up 20+ to Andy Dalton. And the Bears are the Bears. 

Chicago Bears

The Bears were dispatched by the Giants, 20-12.

Games Notes

• Another week, another terrible passing day for Justin Fields and the Bears. Fields finished 11/22 with 174 yards and no TDs. On the bright side, he had no interceptions either. Progress. It's certainly true that the Bears' wide receiver corps and offensive line is lacking, but you have to think Bears fans want to see more out of Fields.
• The run game was just OK this week. Khalil Herbert is no longer on track to make the hall of fame and someone named Trestan Ebner had 6 carries for 20 yards.
• The defense was bad again too. The Giants top two QBs both got knocked out of the game and Saquon Barkley still managed to pile up 146 yards rushing.
• Twitter favorite and PFF least favorite Roquan Smith had another good game with counting stats (totaling 10 tackles) while making little impact on the final result. Each week brings a new argument to the should the Bears sign him debate. Personally, I hope they waste a ton of money on an inside linebacker.

Former Packers

• Equanimeous St. Brown had just 2 catches for 9 yards
• Lucas Patrick was on a snap count again, he had 50 snaps and a season-high PFF grade of 70.7
• The Penneltentiary played 24 snaps but had another poor week. 

Next Week

The Bears travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings. 

Detroit Lions

The Lions succumbed to Geno Smith's Seahawks, 48-45. Imagine giving up 48 points to a Geno lead team. 

Game Notes

• All of the Lions' games are the same. The defense looks terrible, the offense has a bunch of fun run designs, they score a lot trying to catch up, and then lose. 
• This week they added 10 points to their normal final score in the 30s and lost to the Seahawks. 
• Geno was 23/30 for 320 yards and 2 TDs, for a QB rating of 132.6. Yikes
• Seahawks RB Rashaad Penny put up 151 yards and two TDs on 17 carries. Double Yikes. 
• The Lions offense, of course, looked good even without the Sun God (I assumed he would only miss games at night?). Jared Goff was 26/39 for 378 yards and 4 TDs (plus one pick). Former Packer Jamaal Williams went over 100 rush yards. Even TJ Bustkenson got in on the fun with 179 yards and 2 of the TDs. 
• It will be interesting to see what happens when the Lions play good teams. They certainly seem to have a good offense, but is that a consequence of playing bad defenses playing prevent or is it legit? 

Former Packers

• Jamaal Williams had his best game of the year thanks to a 51-yard TD run. Look for him to keep up strong fantasy scoring. 
• Former Badger Quintez Cephus finally got into the action with 2 catches for 15 yards. 

Next Week

The Lions play the Patriots in New England. I'm hoping for 400 yards from Bailey Zappe. 

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings squeaked by the Saints in London, 28-25

Game Notes

• Justin Jefferson was back to all-star form with 10 catches for 147 yards mostly against premier corner Marcus Lattimore.
• An injured Dalvin Cook had just 76 yards on 20 carries and Kirk Cousins had an uninspiring QB rating of 84.7. 
• The team's defensive performance left much to be desired. Journeyman Andy Dalton eclipsed Kirk Cousins' QB rating by almost 25 points and Latavius Murray (who isn't even on the Saints anymore) averaged over 5 yards per carry. 
•  In the end, it took a double doink by the Saints' kicker for the Vikings to pull off the win against a bad Saints team starting their backup QB. After the week 1 victory over Green Bay, the Vikings have struggled to consistently perform like one of the better teams in the NFC. 

Former Packers

• Za'Darius Smith had a sack but had another game with a low PFF grade. It's worth noting that he has 13 pressures and 2 sacks on the season and Rashan Gary, his replacement in Green Bay, has 16 and 5. 
• Chandon Sullivan had another meh game though he did have 4 tackles. 

Next Week

The Vikings are back in Minnesota to play the Lions.