NFC North – Week 12 Divisional Recap
The Vikings won their 7th straight, while the rest of the division lost.
Minnesota Vikings 9-2
Detroit Lions 6-5
Green Bay Packers 5-6
Chicago Bears 3-8
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings held off the Lions for a 30-23 win in Detroit, their 7th straight win.
What they did well
The Vikings jumped out to an early lead, 13-0 at the end of the first quarter and 20-3 before the Lions scored a touchdown with seconds to go in the half. Case Keenumm completed 21 of 30 passes for 282 yards, a pair of touchdown passes to Kyle Rudolph, and a rushing touchdown. The Vikings ran for a total of 136 yards, including 84 from Latavius Murray.
Where they needed improvement
A week after missing a pair of field goals, Kai Forbath had another tough week as he had a field goal and an extra point blocked. Despite the early lead, the Vikings could not put the Lions away. After a quick touchdown to open the second half and growing the lead to 27-10, the Vikings did not score again until a Forbath field goal with just under four minutes in the game.
What is Next
The Vikings travel to Atlanta to face the Falcons in Week 13.
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Detroit Lions
The Lions could not complete the comeback at home as they lost to the Minnesota Vikings 30-23.
What they did well
The Lions found themselves down 27-10 early in the second half, but they never gave up. Matthew Stafford threw a touchdown pass to Marvin Jones with fifteen seconds left in the first half to cut the lead to 20-10. Jones ended up with 6 catches for 109 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Where they needed improvement
The Lions only managed 53 rushing yards this week. They have become one dimensional, relying on Stafford’s arm. Stafford threw an interception that ended their last drive with under three minutes left in the game and a 7 point deficit. The Lions defense allowed touchdowns on the first two Minnesota possessions.
What is Next
The Lions travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens in Week 13.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers went into Pittsburgh and gave the Steelers all they could handle, but lost 31-28.
What they did well
Brett Hundley had his best game against one of the better defenses in the NFL. He threw for 245 yards, 3 touchdowns, and most importantly, no interceptions. All of his touchdown passes were for at least 39 yards, including 2 that were 50+. Jamaal Williams had 135 total yards with 2 touchdowns. The Packers won the turnover battle 3-0.
Where they needed improvement
The Packers had this game, but let it slip away. They were in business after they opened the second half with a touchdown and intercepted the ball on the Steelers’ first possession of the half. Mason Crosby missed a 57 yard field goal that would have put them up 24-14. With a tie game and 17 seconds left, the Packers let the Steelers drive 35 yards for the game winning field goal.
What is next
The Packers come home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13.
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Chicago Bears
The Bears went into Philadelphia where the Eagles dismantled them 31-3.
What they did well
What did the Bears do well? I guess they found the stadium. They did manage to win the turnover battle as the Eagles fumbled the ball away 3 times. Dontrelle Inman caught 4 passes for 64 yards and was by far the team’s leading receiver. Cairo Santos kicked a 38 yard field goal that would be the only scoring for the Bears.
Where they needed improvement
The Bears had 6 yards on the ground. Six. Mitch Trubisky threw for only 147 yards with 2 interceptions. Luckily, one of those interceptions was fumbled and the Bears got the ball back, but they did not do anything with their second chance. Taking away the yardage from the two sacks, and the Bears finished with 140 total yards.
What is Next
The Bears come home to face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13.