Bears NFC North Roundup: Division Outlook After Week 5

The Bears lost to the Packers in Week 5, but how does the NFC North race look? Here's a breakdown of the Packers, Lions, and Vikings.

by Jobe Morrison

Oct 12, 2026

Oct 11, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) celebrates their win against the Chicago Bears during the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Wm. Glasheen USAToday Network via IMAGN images

Wm&period; Glasheen USAToday Network via IMAGN images

The Chicago Bears suffered a disappointing Week 5 loss to the Green Bay Packers, missing an opportunity to gain ground in the NFC North standings. While the loss stings, the division race remains a long one, and the results from around the NFC North offer a clearer picture of where Chicago stands as the season progresses.

With the Packers and Detroit Lions both earning victories and the Minnesota Vikings continuing their impressive start, the Bears face plenty of competition in the division. Let’s take a closer look at how each NFC North team performed in Week 5, where the standings stand, and what’s next for Chicago’s divisional rivals.

Green Bay Packers (3-2)

Wm. Glasheen USAToday Network via IMAGN images

The Packers enjoyed a big day at the Bears’ expense in Week 5. Green Bay’s offense threw for well over 350 yards and scored 31 points against a Chicago defense that had been red-hot entering the matchup. The victory moved the Packers into second place in the early NFC North race. Coming into the week, head coach Matt LaFleur had to be feeling some pressure from fans after his team’s uneven start to the season.

His team responded in a big way on both sides of the ball. The Packers’ defense took full advantage of the Bears’ absence of their starting quarterback, wreaking havoc and holding Chicago to just seven points. Now, Green Bay will welcome the Cowboys to Lambeau Field for a Sunday night showdown in Week 6.

Next: vs. Cowboys

Detroit Lions (3-2)

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) leads the team out onto the field for the first half against Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.

The Lions couldn’t have asked for a better response to their Week 4 loss in Charlotte, North Carolina. Detroit scored 45 points against the Cardinals after falling behind 7-0 early. The Lions looked much more like themselves on both sides of the ball, with the defense delivering a strong overall performance. They forced turnovers and kept Arizona’s offense in check.

Detroit’s offense stole the show, however, piling up more than 400 yards behind a big performance from Jahmyr Gibbs, who rushed for more than 150 yards. The Lions now head into their bye week on a high note before hosting the Packers in Week 7.

Next: Bye

Minnesota Vikings (5-0)

Oct 11, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) hands off to running back Aaron Jones (33) against New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

One of the few undefeated teams remaining in the NFL, the Vikings found themselves in a battle with the Saints on Sunday. Although Minnesota’s offense hasn’t been entirely consistent, its defense has repeatedly disrupted opposing game plans. Sunday’s performance was no different, as the Vikings held the Saints to fewer than 200 total yards and fewer than 100 passing yards.

On the offensive side, Minnesota surpassed 300 total yards, with Kyler Murray completing 80% of his passes. The Vikings will now enter their bye week before preparing to host the Colts in Week 7.

Next: Bye