NFC North
Green Bay 7-2
The Pack got thrown around in a tough outing at L.A. last week, but are still far and away the favorites in this division. If Aaron Rodgers stays healthy, this one could be wrapped up even before a three game divisional stretch to finish the season. Even if he does get hurt, the defense might be good enough to hold down the fort this time.
Minnesota 6-3
Minnesota has some tough games coming up, including on the road to the Cowboys, Seahawks, and Chargers. They’ll be feeling like they let one get away on Sunday against Kansas City Lite (same great taste, zero Mahomes), and will likely find themselves in a Skolfight for the final NFC Wild Card spot.
Detroit 3-4-1
The Lions just refuse to do themselves any favors so far this year, and are now in real danger of being out of the running by Thanksgiving again. Am I just being delusional in thinking they have all the pieces of a really good team? Even with all that talent and a very favorable schedule down the stretch, at this point they won’t convince anyone that they’re capable of putting a late run together until it actually happens. I’m not holding my breath.
Chicago 3-5
Unlike the Lions, Chicago’s offense actually looks the part of a last place team. With four straight losses and calls to bench Mitchell Trubisky, the Bears have already topped last year’s loss total and seem to be on the verge of a complete collapse. They do have Detroit at home next week, for what it’s worth.
If I had to make a prediction… Green Bay wins the North, clinching it against Minnesota in Week 16. Lions go 8-7-1 and clinch the 16th pick in next year’s draft.