GREEN BAY, Wis. — This season has seen an unprecedented start for the NFC North, with no division demonstrating such strength in the past twenty years. Leading the charge is the undefeated Minnesota Vikings, as all four teams in the NFC North boast records of 4-2 or better. This marks the first occasion since the league’s 2002 realignment that every team in a division has secured at least four victories through the initial six weeks of the season.
“I think the division is strong,” commented Detroit quarterback Jared Goff after guiding the Lions to a dominant 47-9 win over the Cowboys. “Right now, it’s probably the best division in football.” It’s difficult to dispute that claim,
With a combined record of 17-5, the NFC North has made history by achieving a .750 or greater winning percentage through Week 6 for the first time in NFL records. The Vikings hold an impressive 5-0 record, while the Lions sit at 4-1. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers find themselves sharing the bottom rung of the division, yet with solid 4-2 records that would place them at the top in any other NFC division.
A key factor behind the impressive records of all NFC North teams is the limited number of intra-division matchups to date. The sole clash among the teams thus far occurred when the Vikings narrowly defeated the Packers 31-29 on September 29.
Instead, the teams have been primarily facing opponents from outside their division—and they aren’t just winning; they are winning comfortably. With the top-ranked Vikings taking a break, the other three teams in the NFC North triumphed over their opponents with a combined score of 116-38. The Packers claimed a 34-13 victory against the Arizona Cardinals, while the Bears convincingly beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 35-16 in London.
The cumulative point differential for the NFC North stands at an impressive plus-211. This is the highest point differential recorded by any division within the first six weeks of a season since the merger of the NFL and AFL in 1970. The previous record was established by the AFC West in 2013 with a plus-173.
“There’s a lot of solid teams in our division right now,” remarked Packers coach Matt LaFleur. “Things will get interesting as we start facing each other.”
This current surge is particularly remarkable given that not too long ago, the NFC North struggled to produce quality teams. Back in 2020, Green Bay was the only team with a winning record, although Chicago sneaked into the playoffs with an 8-8 outcome. In 2021, Green Bay was again the only division team to avoid a losing record. Fast forward to 2022, and the Vikings were the only NFC North team in the playoff mix.
However, changes began last season. The Lions posted a strong 12-5 record, clinching their first playoff victory in 32 years and reaching the NFC Championship game. Green Bay finished 9-8, advancing to the divisional playoffs, marking a turnaround for many teams in the division.
Today, each team in the NFC North finds themselves with optimistic outlooks. The Lions, after a challenging combined 17-46-2 run from 2018 to 2021, are now contenders under fourth-year coach Dan Campbell, bolstered by smart drafting choices. The Packers made a smooth transition at quarterback after trading four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, handing the reins to Jordan Love, whose solid performance led to a lucrative contract extension. Although the Bears have not had a winning season since 2018, they are showing promise with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the top draft pick this year.
Interestingly, many preseason predictions positioned the Vikings toward the bottom of the division after a 7-10 finish last season and losing Kirk Cousins in free agency. Contrary to those predictions, they have emerged as a significant surprise in the league this year.
“It’s a group of players who remain hungry,” Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard noted about his team. “Many have faced challenges. We have a mix of players, whether they are late picks, third-rounders, or undrafted. Everyone is vying to prove their worth.”
This rapid success could open the door for the NFC North to field more than two playoff teams for the first time since the NFL’s eight-division format was initiated in 2002. The division could mirror the achievements of last season’s AFC North, where all teams finished with winning records: Baltimore (13-4), Cleveland (11-6), Pittsburgh (10-7), and Cincinnati (9-8).
However, the dynamic could shift as they engage in divisional matchups, which may lead to varying records. The second divisional contest of the season is slated for Sunday when Minnesota takes on Detroit at home. “Those games will be even more significant,” stated Packers center Josh Myers. “Most of the matchups are yet to come, and they will be crucial.”