NFC North 2025

[Pokerbrat2000]

I'm glad to see the Vikings back to being....The Vikings.

I see Julian Sayin being on their radar for the 2027 draft.

 

[formerlybis]

However, for a kid in his first start he threw the ball generally well.

We'll agree to disagree on this. He had 4 picks in 30 attempts and was routinely uncatchable (except by Seahawks) when he tried to throw anything other than a check down or swing pass.

And I loved it.

Jordan Love and Patrick Mahomes would surely make some better decisions on certain plays, but I doubt that the outcome would have been too different. I'm not trying to make excuses for the Vikings, but merely pointing out the fact that their O-line has been atrocious for years, they spent big money in FA to fix it this year, and it all went to H-E-double hockey sticks. It's the worst time to put rookies out there.

Agreed, and this was an undrafted rookie QB.

 

[Calebs Revenge]

So I re-watched the Bears Eagles game and I also watched yawls game against Detroit......
We are clearly the two best teams in the NFC north and probably both in the top five of the NFC conference.
There's one play against the Eagles that should scare everybody believe it was a third down, and my guy goes off tackle and gets stoned about a yard and a half short of the first down marker and the referees,to their credit, could've probably blown the whistle but they didn't and then four or five bears join into the pile And push 2 yards past The first marker.
That was emblematic of the whole game...... The same way that you muscled Detroit......
Now I understand Detroit housed us, but it was the first game of the year first game under new offensive system and yeah, we got beat, but it was in their house and no one can say that our team hasn't grown since that day.......
We put it to Philly.....helmet to helmet, tush push and all......and just straight up dominated and out muscled them.
I have never look forward to a Bears Packers game like the one coming up.
And we still haven't played a "complete" game.
Game freakin on!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Firethorn1001]

Jefferson or McCarthy? Jefferson was definitely had an "I'm frustrated" vibe during this game..

Sorry, Jefferson.

Despite it being the Vikings, like to see top players at their best and this year has to be a massive frustration for him. Glad it's happening why I said almost.

 

[Pkrjones]

Sorry, Jefferson.

Despite it being the Vikings, like to see top players at their best and this year has to be a massive frustration for him. Glad it's happening why I said almost.

Thielen asked for, and received, his release from Minn. to seek more playing time in his last season. No QB to deliver ANY of the WR's the ball, and when they do said WR drops it (3 yesterday).

 

[formerlybis]

So I re-watched the Bears Eagles game and I also watched yawls game against Detroit......
We are clearly the two best teams in the NFC north and probably both in the top five of the NFC conference.
There's one play against the Eagles that should scare everybody believe it was a third down, and my guy goes off tackle and gets stoned about a yard and a half short of the first down marker and the referees,to their credit, could've probably blown the whistle but they didn't and then four or five bears join into the pile And push 2 yards past The first marker.
That was emblematic of the whole game...... The same way that you muscled Detroit......
Now I understand Detroit housed us, but it was the first game of the year first game under new offensive system and yeah, we got beat, but it was in their house and no one can say that our team hasn't grown since that day.......
We put it to Philly.....helmet to helmet, tush push and all......and just straight up dominated and out muscled them.
I have never look forward to a Bears Packers game like the one coming up.
And we still haven't played a "complete" game.
Game freakin on!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the big picture, it’s good to have the Bears as a legitimate team again. I sorta wish they’d never be, but a nail is not a rival of a hammer, and it’s more fun if the Bears aren’t so much a nail anymore.

 

[milani]

I said it during free agency last year, the Vikings were absolutely stupid to let Darnold walk. Then they doubled down on that stupidity by handing the keys of a 13-4 team over to JJ McCarthy, an unproven and questionable draft pick.

This article really sums up the demise of the Vikings this season. It's a Wall Street article and I don't have a subscription, but MSN reposted it(below).

"The Costly Miscalculation That Sank the NFL’s Most Expensive Team"​

MSN

Be careful to criticize the Vikings. Remember, Eric Von Zippur shall return.

 

[rmontro]

So I re-watched the Bears Eagles game and I also watched yawls game against Detroit......
We are clearly the two best teams in the NFC north and probably both in the top five of the NFC conference.

Good thing you didn't watch our game against the Eagles...

 

[milani]

I'm currently living in the Twin Cities market, and there was a fair amount of hope and excitement to a) have anybody besides McCarthy at QB, and b) having a former Gopher starting an NFL game - in that order. I think there was acknowledgement that playing at Seattle was going to be a tough assignment, but they were at least expecting to look at least as good if not better than they did against the Packers last week.

I don't know if everyone has seen the play where it all went south - and you should definitely look it up if you haven't - but the Vikes decided to go for it on 4th and 1, trailing by 3 at around the 5-yard line late in the first half. They decide it's a good idea to throw for it. Brosmer's about to be sacked and he decides to just fling it underhanded as he's falling to avoid taking the loss - right into the waiting arms of a defender who takes it the length of the field for a pick-6. It's right up there with the dumbest plays I've ever seen. I doubt Brosmer sees the field again anywhere in a real game.

Jefferson or McCarthy? Jefferson was definitely had an "I'm frustrated" vibe during this game..

It was a boneheaded decision. Normally, you look for a run or option to the right. But under the circumstances i.e. Seahawks defense, the road, new inexperienced QB, the score, and the season history....Take the least common denominator..Kick the FG and hope your D can get it back.
If it was 2009 and you have Favre, AP, and a great O line, then it is a no brainer.

 

[milani]

We'll agree to disagree on this. He had 4 picks in 30 attempts and was routinely uncatchable (except by Seahawks) when he tried to throw anything other than a check down or swing pass.

And I loved it.


Agreed, and this was an undrafted rookie QB.

The Seahawks D line is a force. They are in the same division as the Rams and may meet in the postseason again.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Be careful to criticize the Vikings. Remember, Eric Von Zippur shall return.

Is that an old member of the forum or this guy?

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Thielen asked for, and received, his release from Minn. to seek more playing time in his last season. No QB to deliver ANY of the WR's the ball, and when they do said WR drops it (3 yesterday).

I never liked Thielen, but only because he always seemed to tear the Packers up.

In all seriousness, if the Packers were in need of a WR, I wouldn't mind signing him, but they aren't and he is too small to play DT.

May he find a new home in Cleveland.

 

[tynimiller]

I never liked Thielen, but only because he always seemed to tear the Packers up.

In all seriousness, if the Packers were in need of a WR, I wouldn't mind signing him, but they aren't and he is too small to play DT.

May he find a new home in Cleveland.

I predict back to Carolina, New England or Bills is where he signs.

 

[Calebs Revenge]

In the big picture, it’s good to have the Bears as a legitimate team again. I sorta wish they’d never be, but a nail is not a rival of a hammer, and it’s more fun if the Bears aren’t so much a nail anymore.

Well said..... but we're a sledge now.

 

[tynimiller]

Well said..... but we're a sledge now.

You have to realize how overachieving they are right now? GB was this way when the turnover ratio helped hide the defensive inefficiencies.

I unlike many feel they are 100% a better team than many are giving credit for but a Sledge?

 

[gopkrs]

Turnovers are definitely really important. But we are pretty good at not turning it over

 

[milani]

Is that an old member of the forum or this guy?

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

Both. Whenever Eric Von Zippur likes somebody, they stay liked!

 

[El Guapo]

Predictions on the final results in the NFC North?

Current Standings
Bears 9-3
Packers 8-3-1
Detroit 7-5
Vikings 4-8

Bears Remaining Schedule
@ Green Bay
vs Cleveland
vs Green Bay
@ San Francisco
vs Detroit

Packers Remaining Schedule
vs Chicago
@ Denver
@ Chicago
vs Baltimore
@ Minnesota

Lions Remaining Schedule
vs Dallas
@ Los Angeles Rams
vs Pittsburgh
@ Minnesota
@ Chicago

Vikings Remaining Schedule (who cares?)
vs Washington
@ Dallas
@ NY Giants
vs Detroit
vs Green Bay

Final Standings & Record
1st
2nd
3rd
4th

 

[El Guapo]

My prediction is that the Bears and Packers will split against one another, each winning at home:

Final Standings & Record
1st Bears 12-5
2nd Packers 11-5-1
3rd Lions 9-8
4th Vikings 5-12

 

[tynimiller]

Current Standings
Bears 9-3
Packers 8-3-1
Detroit 7-5
Vikings 4-8

Bears Remaining Schedule
@ Green Bay - L
vs Cleveland - W
vs Green Bay - W
@ San Francisco - L
vs Detroit - L

Packers Remaining Schedule
vs Chicago - W
@ Denver - L
@ Chicago - L
vs Baltimore - W
@ Minnesota - W

Lions Remaining Schedule
vs Dallas - W
@ Los Angeles Rams - L
vs Pittsburgh - W
@ Minnesota - W
@ Chicago - W

Vikings Remaining Schedule (who cares?)
vs Washington - L
@ Dallas - L
@ NY Giants - L
vs Detroit - L
vs Green Bay - L

Final Standings & Record
1st Packers - 11-5-1
2nd Lions - 11-6
3rd Bears - 11-6
4th - 4-13

 

[Magooch]

Just for fun I plugged in a bunch of data* into a couple of different AI engines and got the following results:

SET #1 ("CLAUDE")

Current Standings
Bears 9-3
Packers 8-3-1
Detroit 7-5
Vikings 4-8

Bears Remaining Schedule
@ Green Bay L
vs Cleveland W
vs Green Bay L
@ San Francisco W
vs Detroit L

Packers Remaining Schedule
vs Chicago W
@ Denver W
@ Chicago W
vs Baltimore L
@ Minnesota W

Lions Remaining Schedule
vs Dallas W
@ Los Angeles Rams L
vs Pittsburgh W
@ Minnesota W
@ Chicago W

Vikings Remaining Schedule (who cares?)
vs Washington L
@ Dallas L
@ NY Giants W
vs Detroit L
vs Green Bay L

Final Standings & Record
1st - Packers 12-4-1
2nd - Bears 11-6
3rd - Lions 11-6
4th - Vikings 5-12

*data included current record, upcoming schedule (home/away), and the following stats: offensive EPA/play, offensive success rate, pass EPA passing success rate, rush EPA, rush success rate; EPA allowed per play, defense success rate, pass EPA allowed, pass success rate against, run EPA allowed, run success rate against; QB EPA/play, QB CPOE; team defense - points allowed, yards allowed, takeaways, NY/A allowed, rush yards against per attempt, total expected points contribution; team offense - points scored, yards gained, giveaways, NY/A passing, rush yards per attempt, total expected points contribution. Included for all NFC North teams and their remaining opponents (Steelers, Rams, Browns, Ravens, Cowboys, 49ers, Giants, Broncos, Commanders).

 

[Magooch]

SET #2 ("GEMINI")

Current Standings
Bears 9-3
Packers 8-3-1
Detroit 7-5
Vikings 4-8

Bears Remaining Schedule
@ Green Bay L
vs Cleveland W
vs Green Bay L
@ San Francisco W
vs Detroit W

Packers Remaining Schedule
vs Chicago W
@ Denver W
@ Chicago W
vs Baltimore W
@ Minnesota W

Lions Remaining Schedule
vs Dallas W
@ Los Angeles Rams L
vs Pittsburgh W
@ Minnesota W
@ Chicago L

Vikings Remaining Schedule (who cares?)
vs Washington W
@ Dallas L
@ NY Giants W
vs Detroit L
vs Green Bay L

Final Standings & Record
1st - Packers 13-3-1
2nd - Bears 12-5
3rd - Lions 10-7
4th - Vikings 6-11

 

[Magooch]

SET #3 ("CHATGPT 5-mini")

Current Standings
Bears 9-3
Packers 8-3-1
Detroit 7-5
Vikings 4-8

Bears Remaining Schedule
@ Green Bay L
vs Cleveland W
vs Green Bay L
@ San Francisco W
vs Detroit W

Packers Remaining Schedule
vs Chicago W
@ Denver W
@ Chicago W
vs Baltimore W
@ Minnesota W

Lions Remaining Schedule
vs Dallas L
@ Los Angeles Rams L
vs Pittsburgh W
@ Minnesota W
@ Chicago L

Vikings Remaining Schedule (who cares?)
vs Washington W
@ Dallas L
@ NY Giants L
vs Detroit L
vs Green Bay L

Final Standings & Record
1st - Packers 13-3-1
2nd - Bears 12-5
3rd - Lions 9-8
4th - Vikings 5-12

 

[Magooch]

Aaaaaaand again - just for fun - projected results (limiting to just ours) from each of the three above:

CLAUDE
(W) Packers 27 - Bears 20
(W) Packers 24 - Broncos 17
(W) Packers 23 - Bears 21
(L) Ravens 28 - Packers 24
(W) Packers 31 - Vikings 13

GEMINI
(W) Packers 27 - Bears 21
(W) Packers 31 - Broncos 17
(W) Packers 24 - Bears 20
(W) Packers 34 - Ravens 13
(W) Packers 30 - Vikings 16

GPT 5-mini
(W) Packers 28 - Bears 20
(W) Packers 27 - Broncos 17
(W) Packers 27 - Bears 23
(W) Packers 31 - Ravens 21
(W) Packers 34 - Vikings 14

 

[Magooch]

And it's probably no better, but here's my personal opinion anyhow


Current Standings
Bears 9-3
Packers 8-3-1
Detroit 7-5
Vikings 4-8

Bears Remaining Schedule
@ Green Bay - L
vs Cleveland - L
vs Green Bay - L
@ San Francisco - W
vs Detroit - W

Packers Remaining Schedule
vs Chicago - W
@ Denver - L
@ Chicago - W
vs Baltimore - W
@ Minnesota - W

Lions Remaining Schedule
vs Dallas - W
@ Los Angeles Rams - L
vs Pittsburgh - W
@ Minnesota - W
@ Chicago - L

Vikings Remaining Schedule (who cares?)
vs Washington - L
@ Dallas - L
@ NY Giants - L
vs Detroit - L
vs Green Bay - L

Final Standings & Record
Packers 12-4-1
Bears 11-6
Lions 10-7
Vikings 4-13