Detroit Lions v Indianapolis ColtsGetty Images Sport
Alastair Talbot

NFL Thanksgiving Week Grades NFC North:The Lions Have Been One of The Hottest Teams can the Packers or Vikings overcome them?

How have the teams in the NFC North performed as we enter the final stretch of the season?

The NFC North is shaping up to be a division of contrasts. The Detroit Lions are on the rise, looking like serious Super Bowl contenders, while the Minnesota Vikings have managed to surprise many with solid defense and quarterback play.

The Green Bay Packers are still a work in progress, and the Chicago Bears are trying their best to avoid a total a freefall, making this a division that will see some major shifts by season’s end.

  • Detroit Lions v Indianapolis ColtsGetty Images Sport

    Detroit Lions (10-1)

    The Lions are enjoying one of their most successful seasons in recent memory, thanks in large part to the leadership of Dan Campbell. The team plays with a physical edge and confidence, reflecting the personality of their head coach.

    Quarterback Jared Goff has been precise and efficient, while the defense, once a liability, has become a major strength.

    With a complete and well-balanced roster, the Lions are positioned as one of the top teams in the NFC and a real threat to take home the Lombardi Trophy.

    Grade: A+

    • Advertisement
  • Minnesota Vikings v Los Angeles RamsGetty Images Sport

    Minnesota Vikings (9-2)

    The Vikings have been one of the season's surprises, combining solid defense with consistent quarterback play, even in the absence of their usual star power in wideout Justin Jefferson.

    While Sam Darnold has shown flashes of brilliance, his turnover issues have raised some concerns about his long-term viability. Minnesota also improved their depth at QB by signing recently released former New York Guants QB Daniel Jones.

    That said, Minnesota’s defense, led by the aggressive Brian Flores, has kept the team competitive, and if they can regain their early-season form, they could still make a playoff run.


    Grade: B

  • San Francisco 49ers v Green Bay PackersGetty Images Sport

    Green Bay Packers (8-3)

    The Packers have had an up-and-down season, with quarterback Jordan Love struggling to keep his turnovers down.

    While Love has shown tremendous ability on a regular basis, but his turnover issues and inability to sustain drives have held Green Bay back. That said, the defense has been a bright spot, keeping them competitive in games.

    Green Bay remains a flawed but dangerous team, but their strong defensive core and potential for improvement make them dangerous down the stretch—especially as they look to play spoiler in the playoff race.

    Grade: C+

  • Chicago Bears v Washington CommandersGetty Images Sport

    Chicago Bears

    What started as a promising season for the Bears has quickly turned into a nightmare. A five-game losing streak exposed major flaws in the offense, particularly with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams struggling to adjust.

    The team’s decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron seems to have turned things around for the time being, and with only divisional matchups left on the schedule, the Bears will need to make significant adjustments to avoid further embarrassment.

    Grade: D+

0