Sigh. It Me. Week 9 happened and we are half-way through the season.
Bears 41 Bills 9
Chicago flexed its defensive muscle against Nathan Peterman and destroyed them in Buffalo. The Bears are 5-3 and stay in sole possession of first place in the NFC North at the half-way point. They should get Khalil Mack and try to make a run for a miracle division title.
Remaining Schedule: Bears 5-3
Lions, Vikings, at Lions, at Giants, Rams, Packers, at 49ers, at Vikings
Vikings 24 Lions 9
The Vikings defense was re-born and beat the Lions for the first time at US Bank Stadium. Matt Stafford was sacked 10 times due to injuries to Taylor Decker (back) and TJ Lang (hip). Detroit gave up an opening drive TD and a 70 yard run to Dalvin Cook to set up another touchdown. Detroit had two good first half drives but had to settle for field goals due to sacks. Detroit blanked the Vikings in the second half down 17-6 but could do nothing offensively. Stafford tried to make a play after the Lions defense recovered a fumble, but Stafford lateraled poorly to Kerryon Johnson and the Vikings got the scoop and score for the 24-6 lead. Stafford misses his safety valve in Golden Tate and the Vikings defense is back. Minnesota gets a bye to prepare for a visit to Chicago.
Remaining Schedule: 5-3-1 Vikings
Bye, at Bears, Packers, at Patriots, at Seahawks, Dolphins, at Lions, Bears
Remaining Schedule: 3-5 Lions
At Bears, Panthers, Bears, Rams, at Cardinals, at Bills, Vikings, at Packers
The Lions need to finish 6-2 (sweeping Chicago) at least to have a chance. They play four more divisional games so it’s far from over. The Lions need to figure things out offensively quickly though and get healthy on the offensive line. Huge matchup in Week 10 at Chicago.
Patriots 31 Packers 17
Green Bay got Belichicked in New England. The Patriots without Gronk and Sony Michel dropped 31 points and Rodgers could only muster 17 for Green Bay.
Remaining Schedule: 3-4-1 Packers
Dolphins, at Seattle, at Vikings, Cardinals, Falcons, at Bears, at Jets, Lions
Green Bay needs to finish 6-2 to have a shot as well. They have some tough road games but Rodgers can always pull a rabbit out of his ass like in previous seasons.