NFC North Week 14 Recap
NFC North rivals faced off against each other this week, so there was bound to be some shifting in the division standings and in the playoff races after week 14. Green Bay stayed hot in the snow at Lambeau Field this week, winning 27-20 against the Detroit Lions, which dropped their fifth straight. Meanwhile, the Bears, which entered the week tied with Green Bay for first place in the North, lost 21-14 to Minnesota this week, as the Vikings climbed back into what is now a three-way race with three games left in the season. Here’s what you missed with each game this week and what to look forward to the rest of the way.
Green Bay Beats Detroit 27-20
The Pack jumped over the Lions and are closing in on the North title
The Packers improved to 9-4 on the season, almost securing a playoff spot in the process, while the Lions are now officially eliminated from contention at 4-9. The Packers are just one game away from clinching a postseason berth and they have the opportunity to seal the deal next week against Chicago at Soldier Field.
“We’re first in the division by a game and we put ourselves in good position, not only for the division but potentially for a first-round bye. The division is our first goal,” Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers said via ESPN.com. “We can wrap things up next week. It’s a tough opponent, a tough place to play. There’s a lot on the line.”
There was a lot on the line this week as well, as Green Bay relied on clutch late-game plays to pull out the victory. Rodgers did not have a touchdown pass on the game, but ran for one instead. His 27-yard TD run was the longest of his career and gave the Packers the 17-14 lead early in the third quarter. They would go on to grab a 10-point lead in the fourth and wouldn’t look back.
Vikings Top Bears 21-14
The league's leading rusher keeps on truckin'
After losing two in a row, the Vikings bounced back this week with a big win over North rival Chicago, pulling the Vikes to within one game of the Bears and the Seahawks in the wild card race after improving to 7-4. Minnesota also still has a slim chance at winning the division, as it has a week 17 date with the Green Bay Packers.
Adrian Peterson eclipsed 100 yards for the seventh straight game, ending the day with 154 yards and two touchdowns.
“You know when you play the Vikings you’re going to have to stop Adrian Peterson,” coach Leslie Frazier said. “And for him to come out and gain 100 yards in the first quarter, just an amazing feat by him.”
The Bears, once thought a playoff lock, don’t look like a sure thing now. Chicago is just one game ahead of Minnesota, Washington and Dallas in the wild card race and has a tough road ahead, with that big game against Green Bay coming up next week.
