What is going on in the NFC North?  Every team is 1-2 and no one looks ready to separate themselves from the pack. The most balanced team offensively is the Minnesota Vikings with 5 passing TDs and 6 Rushing.  The Bears have a huge edge in passing tds within the division (8) but have yet to get the ball in the endzone on the ground.  However, it’s the Green Bay Packers that have the highest points per game at 29.3.  The Lions remain in the middle of the division in each of those categories.  The silver lining in the clouds for Detroit is their success on 3^rd down, nearly a tie at the top of the division with the Packers.

With the Packers scoring the most points per game in the divion, clearly the defense is the problem.  Or is it?  GB is undoubtedly the best run defense in the North and it’s not even close.  But in the passing game, they are second to the Lions in interceptions and have the most sacks amongst their peers.  Problem?  Splash plays.  The packers have given up 877 yards passing already this season and if they can find out where the leak in the defense is, they may be able to dominate the division. The Minnesota Vikings losing their star pass rusher for several weeks was a major blow to their campaign to win the division. They may have the most yards offensively in the NFC North, but it may not be enough without their pass rusher as they only have 2 sacks total this season and it looks to get worse before it gets better.

Prediction? 

Vikings fade without the ability to pressure the QB.  Offensive balance will help keep them alive but with their turnover woes giving opposing QBs extra possessions, their season may be done. 

Lions have a solid offense and can force a few turnovers on defense, but give up way too many yards each game to really entice a lot of faith. 

Chicago gives up the fewest total yards defensively and is the only team alive in all 3 defensive categories with 3 Sacks, 2 FF and 4 Int.  But with an inaccurate rookie QB Tyree Jackson at the help, you never know what to expect on the offensive side of the ball. 

Green Bay has the best chance to run away with the division.  With 29 points per game should win more games than they lose if they can adopt a bend but don’t break defensive strategy.  With Aaron Rodgers ready for Hall of Fame Induction still playing strong, the Packers should secure the division and represent the NFC North in the post-seaon

2020 Super Bowl Sleeper Pick:

Buffalo Bills

Ding Dong the witch is dead.  Which witch?  The Brady witch.  We will see which (ok that’s enough) way the Patriots go with Cam Newton under center and one of the most successful head coaches of all time still in charge, but the expectation is that the Patriots will simply not be the same threat this year.  

Enter the Buffalo Bills.  Even with the g.o.a.t in their division, they put together their first 10-win season in two decades and became a post-season team.  The expectation now is even higher since the division title no longer has to go through a Tom Brady led team.  

Meanwhile, the addition of wide receiver Sefon Diggs will drastically change the options Josh Allen has on the field as he will certainly draw double-teams and loosen up the box for the running game.  This new weapon not only ensures a more efficient and point-producing offense, but it helps take the pressure off of the strength of the team, the defense.  The bills defense finished second in the NFL in points allowed with the likes of Jordan Phillips and Shaq Lawson, so 17-3 victories could be commonplace for this team as they make their super bowl run.

With another win that came down to the final moments, the Minnesota Vikings have proven they are battle tested in close games.  Winning close games is a must for playoff teams.  While no one expects the Vikings to remain undefeated, the last 2 narrow victories has this team's fan base believing in it's players resiliency.  Being 8-0, a playoff spot could be locked up with a magic number of 3.  The big question now is, does Minnesota have what it takes to go all the way?  The only 8-0 team in the NFL is only 4th on the current power rankings...