The Minnesota Vikings (5-0) are the best team in the NFC North so far. Their standing in the NFC North reflects that notion.
The Vikings entered their bye week alone in first place in the division. That didn't change on Sunday, but their lead in the division shrunk by a half game. The Chicago Bears defeated the Atlanta Falcons to get to 4-2.
The return of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams from injury certainly helped Chicago stay in the win column. The win indicated the reigning division champion Bears are not planning to go away easily. The Vikings should have competition in the division until the end.
Alyssa Barbieri of Bears Wire described how the Bears managed to win the game. Here was some of what Barbieri had to write.
"The Bears offense saw a massive boost from Williams' return to the starting lineup, where he played it safe as a runner, electing to operate as a pocket passer or extend plays, and it led to his best passing showing of his career. Williams went 30-of-36, completing 83.3% of his passes, for 305 yards and one touchdown and no turnovers for a 111.2 passer rating.
Meanwhile, Gordon led an inspired outing by a Bears defense that was missing defensive end Montez Sweat, linebacker T.J. Edwards, defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Gordon, who played his first game of the season after missing the entire summer and first five games with a calf injury, had three sacks and two forced fumbles against a talented Falcons offense. Chicago's defense allowed just seven points (which came on a short field after a missed Cairo Santos field goal) heading into the fourth quarter. While they allowed a pair of touchdowns, it was an encouraging showing all things considered."
The Vikings won't get a chance to face the Bears for a while. They play Chicago in the season finale at home in Minnesota. Until then, they will need to continue to win to stay ahead of the resurgent Bears.
Williams' 83% completion rate and 305 yard passing day is enough to strike fear in opposition moving forward. The Vikings will need to be on their game when they face them in the second matchup.
There's a lot of football left to play and the NFC North is not going to make life any easier for the Vikings. Minnesota will look to stay in the win column next against the Indianapolis Colts.