Last season, only two NFC North teams finished with winning records. The Detroit Lions won the division at 12-5, while the Green Bay Packers had a 9-8 record. This year, the competition level increased, as three teams could realistically make the playoffs.
Through Week 13, the Lions still lead the division at 11-1. After defeating the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day, Detroit improved to 11-1 and tied the franchise’s single-season record for consecutive victories with ten.
Detroit’s only loss this season came in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After that game, the Lions have reached the 30-point mark five times this season, including two instances of scoring 52 points.
The NFC North is stacked‼️
— ESPN (@espn) November 29, 2024
It's the first division to have three nine-win teams through Week 13 since 1985 pic.twitter.com/0hqbFU3Z89
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers improved to 9-3 after dominating the Miami Dolphins in Week 13. They’re also on a roll, winning three straight and seven of their last eight games. Their only loss during that impressive stretch was to the Lions, 24-14. Conversely, they’ve defeated teams with winning records, like the Arizona Cardinals and the Houston Texans.
Finally, the Minnesota Vikings are at 9-2 after a Week 12 double-overtime victory over the Bears. Their only two losses came against the Lions and the Los Angeles Rams. However, they’ve won against the Packers and the Texans. The Vikings can improve their record with a victory against the Cardinals.
Detroit, Minnesota, and Green Bay’s win-loss records marked the first time since 1985 that three teams in a division had at least nine victories through Week 13. That year, the New England Patriots and the New York Jets finished 11-5, while the Miami Dolphins were 12-4.
With five weeks left in the regular season, every game matters for the top three NFC North teams as they solidify their spot in the playoffs. More significant games are also great for football fans yearning for hardly-fought games.
-Lance Fernandez