NFC North – Week 14 Divisional Recap

The Vikings winning streak was snapped at 8 as they failed to clinch the division. The rest of the division captured wins in Week 14.

Minnesota Vikings          10-3

Detroit Lions                    7-6

Green Bay Packers          7-6

Chicago Bears                  4-9

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Minnesota Vikings

A furious comeback was not enough as the Vikings fell to the Panthers in Carolina, 31-24.

What they did well

The Vikings held the opposing quarterback to under 200 yards passing for the second straight week, and they added an interception and 2 sacks. Offensively, Case Keenum threw for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns. Adam Thielen had 6 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown. They came back from a 24-13 deficit to tie the game at 24 with just over 3 minutes to go.

Where they needed improvement

The Vikings were not able to stop Jonathan Stewart, who ran for 103 yards and 3 touchdowns. Keenum was sacked 6 times, lost a fumble, and threw 2 interceptions, including one on the first drive that led to the first Panther touchdown. The defense really let the team down after the offense tied the game. The Panthers went 75 yards on 5 running plays to score the winning touchdown.

What is Next

The Vikings come home to host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15.

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Detroit Lions

The Lions held off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a 24-21 win.

What they did well

Matthew Stafford threw for 381 yards, including a 5 yard touchdown pass to Golden Tate. Eric Ebron had 10 catches for 94 yards out of the tight end position. The Lions had 2 interceptions and 3 sacks on the day. Ezekiel Ansah ended the game with a sack on the first play after Matt Prater kicked the go ahead field goal.

Where they needed improvement

The Lions were not able to put the game away as the Buccaneers scored 2 touchdowns in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 21. It was starting to look like a game that the Lions were going to find a way to lose. Their running game did not help them much as they only gained 53 yards on the ground.

What is Next

The Lions host the Chicago Bears in a Saturday game in Week 15.

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Green Bay Packers

The Packers had their second straight overtime win, this time they beat the Browns 27-21 in Cleveland.

What they did well

Brett Hundley did not throw an interception and the Packers did not turn the ball over for the second week in a row. In face, Hundley threw for 265 yards and 2 touchdowns as he led a 14 point fourth quarter comeback to force overtime. He hit Davante Adams for a 25 yard game winning touchdown in overtime, the second touchdown of the day for Adams.

Where they needed improvement

The Packers were down 21-7 to the winless Browns to open the fourth quarter. It took a huge comeback just to force overtime, and even with Hundley under center, that should not have happened. Jordy Nelson has been struggling without Aaron Rodgers, catching just 4 passes for 33 yards against the Browns.

What is Next

The Packers travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers in Week 15.

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Chicago Bears

The Bears went in to Cincinnati and dominated the Bengals in a 33-7 win.

What they did well

The Bears like the AFC North, as they improved to 3-0 against that division with just the Browns left. Jordan Howard could not be stopped this week, as he racked up 147 yards and 2 touchdowns. Mitch Trubisky threw for 271 yards and a touchdown and added a 4 yard touchdown run.

Where they needed improvement

The Bears did not do much wrong this week. Mike Nugent hit the right upright on his first point after attempt, which allowed the Bengals to take a 7-6 lead into the second quarter. They also had 10 penalties for 74 yards. But overall, this was the best game of the year for Chicago.

What is Next

The Bears travel Detroit to take on the Lions on Saturday in Week 15.