The most important week in the NFC North this year is behind us, and for the teams in the extremely average division, it seems they didn’t get the memo about just how big this week was.
Welcome back to our weekly NFC North check-in, keeping you updated on the happenings inside the region’s division, we have missed you.
With just a game separating the top three clubs in what was once known as the black and blue division, it didn’t get bigger than this, here’s what went down Sunday.
PITTSBURGH 38, GREEN BAY 31: A back and forth shootout between two playoff contenders came right down to the wire in Green Bay, with the Steelers coming out ahead thanks to a Leveon Bell TD run with 1:25 left in the game.
Bell rushed for 124 yards and Antonio Brown caught six balls for 105 yards to keep Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes alive, as they remain one game behind the Dolphins for the final Wild Card position.
Matt Flynn once again filled in for Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, and posted just a 69.6 rating after leading the Packers to back-to-back wins coming into the week.
Green Bay missed a golden opportunity, and will wait to hear on Rodgers availability heading into its season finale with Chicago. The Packers are 2-4-1 without the three-time Pro Bowler.
NEW YORK (N) 23, DETROIT 20 (OT): For the Lions, it’s all fallen apart, as their loss to the Giants eliminates them from playoff contention.
After starting the season 6-3 and having firm control of the division, the Lions dropped another game Sunday, their fifth defeat in their past six games.
Matt Stafford threw two interceptions, bringing his total to 11 in the last five games, and Josh Brown kicked a 45-yard field goal in overtime to seal New York’s win.
The Giants have won six of their last nine, while the Lions continue to be very Lion-ey.
PHILADELPHIA 54, CHICAGO 11: Chicago, more than any of the other teams contending for the division title, lacked what it needed Sunday.
The Eagles gave the ball to Lesean McCoy early and often, and “Shady” shredded Chicago’s defense to the tune of 133 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Nick Foles was nearly perfect in the air, completing 21 of his 25 of his passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bears decision to go to Jay Cutler at quarterback despite Josh McCown’s impressive 2013 bit them hard, as Cutler was incapable of sparking any offensive power on a night the Bears were doubled up in yardage 514-257.
Here is our complete coverage of the Vikings loss to Cincinnati, which was also depressing, like this division.
STANDINGS:
CHICAGO: 8-7
GREEN BAY: 7-7-1
DETROIT: 7-8
MINNESOTA: 4-10-1
Someone has to get into the playoffs, and next week will decide it all.
