NFC North Roundup for NFL Week 17
By Dean Holden
Dec 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Sean Richardson (28) takes the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Had I told you three months ago that the Green Bay Packers were going to win the NFC North, you probably would have shrugged and agreed.
At best, you would have brought up a team you thought could challenge their dominance.
Had we had this same discussion six weeks ago, you would have laughed me out of the building.
But here we are. At the end of the season, this is where things have ended up.
Final 2013 NFC North Standings
Green Bay — 8-7-1 (3-2-1 NFCN)
Chicago — 8-8 (2-4 NFCN)
Detroit — 7-9 (4-2 NFCN)
Minnesota — 5-10-1 (2-3-1 NFCN)
The word “dominance” doesn’t belong anywhere near any of these teams, but the Lions and Bears were able to choke away their opportunities, so the 8-7-1 Green Bay Packers are going to the playoffs, and the 10-6 Arizona Cardinals are not.
Fair? Doesn’t matter. It’s reality, and now the Packers have the San Francisco 49ers next week, and everyone else here has a bunch of questions to answer.