Things are so tight in the NFC North standings…
…we’re left to wonder if the race for the divisional crown is just beginning.
Too Tough NFC North
What Happened: Let’s take some time to tip our caps to the gauntlet that is the NFC North. As Week 14 is set to kick off tonight, consider this: the top three teams in the division, the Lions, Vikings, and Packers, have a combined six losses between them.
That’s as many losses as the NFC South-leading 6-6 Falcons have, and is one short of the NFC West leader, the 7-5 Seahawks. (Houston in the AFC South too, at 8-5.)
Here’s the question: is the division still up for grabs?
Why It Matters: Not really, judging by various projections.
ESPN’s Football Power Index has the Lions with an 84.2% chance to win the division, with the Vikings at 10.7% and the Packers a mere 5.2%.
That’s a bit more optimistic than the odds over at FanDuel, where the Lions are -460, implying about an 82% chance.
Would a win by Green Bay tonight in Detroit change much? The Lions have a sparkling 3-0 divisional record entering tonight, but still play the Bears and Vikings before the season ends.
The Packers can make up ground with a win tonight, plus their own dates with Minnesota and Chicago in Weeks 17 and 18.
It feels almost predetermined that we’re gonna see an NFC North team make a postseason run, but simply winning the division is the first hurdle these teams are currently staring down.
What We’re Watching Today
Packers at Lions (8:15 PM EST) – With two of the top eight scoring teams in the NFL, in an indoor stadium, we are expecting a “last touchdown wins” battle in this one, and we couldn’t be more excited.
Rockets at Warriors (10:00 PM EST) – The Rockets continue an impressive run, winning seven of 10 and are now just one spot out of the top seed in the West. Golden State’s beginning to slide, dropping five in a row and currently sitting sixth in the conference standings.
The Look Ahead
Josh Jacobs RUSHING YARDS – Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry are first and second in rushing this season and have been lauded as wise free agent signings. But let’s not forget Jacobs, who is third in the NFL with 987 yards in his first season with Green Bay. Facing a Lions defense that’s missing key pieces from its run defense, and with a line of 71.5, watch Jacobs churn out the yards while keeping the ball away from Jared Goff and this high-powered Detroit offense.
