Chris Berman famously dubbed it the black-and-blue division, but in Week 6, teams from the NFC North showcased some serious scoring prowess.
Sunday kicked off with Caleb Williams and the Bears scoring 35 points against the Jaguars in London, elevating their record to 4-2. In another early matchup, the Packers defeated a penalty-riddled Cardinals team 34-13, also improving to 4-2. Later in the day, the Lions made a statement by humiliating the Cowboys 47-9—more on Dallas shortly—bringing their record to 4-1. Meanwhile, the 5-0 Vikings enjoyed a well-timed bye week.
Since the NFL expanded its playoff format to include seven teams from each conference, it has become feasible for an entire division to qualify for the postseason. However, this feat has yet to occur. Last season, the AFC North’s four teams all finished with winning records, yet the 9-8 Bengals failed to secure a playoff spot. The NFC North was viewed as a powerhouse during the offseason, with much debate over whether Williams could guide the Bears into the playoffs in his rookie season. Skeptics noted the impressive rosters of the Lions and Packers, but few expected the Vikings to perform as well as they have.
Now, six weeks into the season, every NFC North team is at least two games above .500. Given that it’s Week 6, a time known for overreactions, it is certainly not too soon to ponder the possibility of witnessing a historic playoff scenario.
Jump to:
Could all four NFC North teams reach the playoffs?
Have the Cowboys missed their Super Bowl opportunity?
Will the Texans be the first to clinch their division?
Should the Patriots have started Maye earlier?
Is Monday’s game the Jets’ most crucial?
Can all four NFC North teams make the playoffs this season?
This outcome would necessitate that each of the other three NFC divisions sends only one team to the playoffs, so let’s assess that situation.
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In the NFC West, no team holds a record over .500. The 49ers reached the Super Bowl last season, and if they can regain their health, they’ll pose a significant threat. But who else there poses a challenge?
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In the NFC South, both the Falcons and the often-overlooked Buccaneers are sitting at 4-2, with a two-game lead over the Saints and a three-game cushion against the Panthers.
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Looking at the unpredictable NFC East, the Commanders sit atop the division at 4-2 after losing to Baltimore on Sunday, while the Eagles, with a 3-2 record, still seem off their game. The Cowboys stand at 3-3 and are regrouping during their bye week, while the Giants are in action for the Sunday night game as I write this.
Verdict: OVERREACTION
It’s not because I believe any of these other divisions…
are guaranteed to have two teams in the playoffs. However, plenty remains to unfold in the NFC North.
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So far, through six weeks, there has been just one intra-division matchup in the North: Minnesota’s narrow two-point victory against the Packers in Week 4, played in Green Bay. Consequently, these teams will face each other quite a bit in the latter half of the season. Interestingly, the Bears don’t meet a division rival until Week 11. While I’m no statistics expert, I can confidently say that in any matchup, only one team can emerge victorious. This suggests that the NFC North teams will be racking up losses against one another as the season progresses.
At this moment, it’s reasonable to assert that each of the four teams possesses the potential to qualify for the playoffs. But how they will perform in a month or two is anyone’s guess. What implications does Aidan Hutchinson’s broken tibia have for the Lions’ defensive unit? Will Sam Darnold maintain his current form throughout the season, and if not, what does that foreshadow for the Vikings? Additionally, with Caleb Williams still being a rookie, surprises could arise in Chicago. And can we have faith in the Packers’ defense at this stage?
While I’m certainly keen on witnessing history, and I think it would be fascinating to see unfold, it’s premature to make any assumptions—even with all four teams displaying strong performances at this time.
The Cowboys’ Super Bowl window is closed
Heading into the weekend, there was a consensus that this matchup posed a challenge for the Cowboys. The Lions returned from a bye week fully healthy, while the Cowboys were far from being in good shape. This season, Dallas has struggled considerably to compete in home games after previously finishing the regular season undefeated at home in 2023. Furthermore, the Lions felt that an officiating error robbed them of victory against the Cowboys late last season, fueling their desire for revenge. The situation appeared dire.
However, there is a notable distinction between facing a “bad matchup” and experiencing a “thorough humiliation” for everyone associated with the organization. Unfortunately, this game fell squarely into the latter category. The Cowboys did manage to score first, taking an early lead of 3-0 after a field goal on their opening drive, which marked the peak of their performance for the day. By the end of the first quarter, Detroit had surged ahead 7-3, leading 27-6 at halftime and extending it to 37-9 after three quarters. Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ quarterback, was finished for the day after completing 17 of 33 passes for 178 yards and suffering two interceptions. The Lions overshadowed the Cowboys in total yardage, amassing 492 yards compared to Dallas’s 251. The Cowboys committed five turnovers, while the Lions had none.
Including their playoff defeat against the Packers last season, the Cowboys have been outscored 167-85 in their last four home games. They are the first team since the 1981 Colts to concede 40 or more points at home three times within a four-game stretch. Remember the 1981 Colts? Yeah, I didn’t think so. This dismal performance happened on Jerry Jones’ birthday and just ahead of the Cowboys’ bye week. The upcoming break comes at a timely moment for the team to recuperate and regain some health; however, it also means they must stew on this loss for two weeks before returning to a challenging schedule that features matches against San Francisco, Atlanta, the Eagles, the Texans, and Washington over the next five weeks. The silver lining might be that only two of those games are taking place at home, where the 2024 Cowboys are, without exaggeration, one of the worst teams in history.
<div data-behavior="video_scroll" class="
0:29
Lions astonish the Cowboys with a brilliant 52-yard trick-play touchdown by Sam LaPorta.
The Lions executed a clever play, connecting with Sam LaPorta for a thrilling 52-yard score.
Verdict: OVERREACTION
Despite the tough times, including a particularly challenging Sunday, the Cowboys are not at 0-6. They currently hold a 3-3 record, just one game shy of leading their division. There’s potential for them to make the playoffs this season! Moreover, even if they fall short, they’ve secured long-term deals for Prescott and top receiver CeeDee Lamb. With a strong track record in drafting, the Cowboys have remained competitive during Prescott’s tenure, and there are solid expectations for improvement in 2025. Perhaps they will also bolster their running game by then.
You can criticize the Cowboys for their dismal performance on Sunday; they certainly warranted the critique. However, I assure you that this low point is unlikely to be repeated soon. Jones will endeavor to keep that opportunity alive for as long as possible.
The Texans are poised to be the first team to secure their division title
Currently, Houston boasts a 5-1 record, just a half-game behind the idle Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC. Remarkably, Sunday marked the first occasion this season in which the Texans triumphed by more than a touchdown. Despite being without their leading receiver, Nico Collins (hamstring), they welcomed back running back Joe Mixon from an ankle injury. Mixon impressively tallied 132 total yards on 13 carries, along with two receptions, scoring one touchdown on the ground and another through the air.
Capitalizing on four turnovers—including three committed by Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in his debut start—the Texans maintained the lead throughout the matchup and managed to secure a solid win against a depleted New England squad. Significantly, it was the first time in the Texans’ history of visiting Foxborough that they defeated the Patriots, highlighting the dramatic transformation of both franchises in recent years.
Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION
The Texans hold a two-game advantage over the Colts in the AFC South and have a head-to-head victory against them. The other teams in the division, the Titans, sit at 1-4 (having lost to the Colts on Sunday), and the Jaguars are at 1-5, marking them as perhaps the most disappointing team in the league this season. Could the Colts challenge the Texans? Certainly, if they can get Anthony Richardson back to full health and infuse some creativity into their offense. However, that’s a considerable ”if,” and right now, Houston is in the much more favorable position.
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The Texans may have never possessed a team this strong in their entire franchise history. The 41 points scored on Sunday equal their highest tally in a road game, and the only other instance of starting a season 5-1 occurred in 2012 when they achieved a franchise-best 12 wins. Houston’s ambitions extend beyond the AFC South; they aspire to replicate what the Bengals accomplished in Joe Burrow’s second season: reach the Super Bowl. Currently, they are the only team in the AFC South that appears serious about this goal.
The Texans have yet to showcase their full potential, and once they do, their competitors in the division may struggle to keep up.
The Patriots should have started Drake Maye even sooner
Last week, there was considerable debate after Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo declared that rookie Drake Maye would take over for Jacoby Brissett in Week 6. Many claimed it was a grave error, asserting that he shouldn’t be thrown into the mix with inadequate receivers and a struggling offensive line. Concerns about his readiness surfaced, with fears of him being ruined were echoed repeatedly.
However, considering Mayo’s role in managing the 52 other players on the roster and acknowledging the offense’s struggles under Brissett, let’s evaluate Maye’s debut as a starter. He completed 20 of 33 passes (61%) for 243 yards and three touchdowns. According to ESPN Research, he became only the second Patriots QB to throw at least three TDs in his first start, following Tom Yewcic, who achieved the same feat in 1962 during the AFL era. Maye, however, also had two interceptions, a fumble loss, and four sacks.
It was a mixed performance, but Maye emerged from the game without losing his confidence, showcasing enough talent to suggest he’ll likely start next week against the Jaguars in London, where fellow rookie Caleb Williams had a standout performance.
Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION
I understand the apprehensions. No one wants to witness a young quarterback fail due to playing before he was truly prepared or before his surrounding environment was conducive to success. Yet, it’s similar to having children—if you wait until you’re completely ready, you may never take that step. Rarely do quarterbacks—be they rookies or veterans—find themselves in ideal conditions.
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Drake Maye goes deep for first career TD pass
Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye throws a 40-yard touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte.
The worry with a rookie quarterback, particularly one as relatively inexperienced as Maye, is that he might face too much negativity, potentially leading to a decline in confidence. However, given the underwhelming performance of the Patriots’ offense with Brissett, Maye’s presence could infuse some much-needed positivity. Despite the loss on Sunday and the imperfections in his play, there were enough thrilling and encouraging moments to inspire hope in both his fans and teammates for a brighter future. Who’s to argue that a young quarterback can’t build on the positives as much as he could be hindered by negativity?
Maye was selected as the third pick in the 2024 draft.
If he can’t withstand difficult situations, then he isn’t the player you believed him to be when you made your selection. To echo Bob Watson from the 1977 film “The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training,” let the kid play!
The Jets Are Facing Their Most Crucial Game of the Season on Monday Night
This week has been eventful in Florham Park. The team returned early last Monday morning from London, where Aaron Rodgers threw three interceptions, resulting in a 23-17 defeat against the Vikings. On Tuesday, coach Robert Saleh was dismissed, shocking everyone at the facility. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich stepped up to take over as head coach, and one of his first moves was to remove offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett—Rodgers’ close friend—from play-calling duties, passing that responsibility to quarterbacks coach Todd Downing.
Rodgers and the other players emphasized accountability and the necessity for change throughout the week. All of this sets the stage for a “Monday Night Football” matchup at home against the Bills (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC). A victory would place the Jets in a tie for first in the AFC East, despite everything that has transpired.
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Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION
It truly isn’t just about whether the Jets secure a win on Monday; it’s also about their performance. Will we see the same issues that have plagued them in all but one game this season? Is the offense stagnant? Is the running game uninspired and ineffective? Does Rodgers’ limited mobility render him vulnerable in the pocket? Are there excessive penalties? If the Jets resemble their Week 1-5 selves, we’ll have grounds to say that the firing of Saleh was inconsequential and that the problems are more systemic. Conversely, if they show signs of having received a significant wake-up call and are eager to address their issues, there is reason for optimism that Rodgers and his teammates can turn things around.
There’s a lot on the line here. Should the season take a downturn, Saleh likely won’t be the last casualty, and those within the Jets organization are aware of this. Rodgers’ potential return next season hinges significantly on how this season unfolds.
All eyes will be on the Jets during this game, offering them a chance to demonstrate to the football-watching world that they are a serious franchise. The last thing anyone associated with the team wants to hear for the remainder of the week is the disheartening phrase, “Same old Jets.”
# Could the NFC North Make History with Four Playoff Teams? Analyzing Week 6 Overreactions
The NFC North has always been a competitive division in the NFL, but could we be witnessing a historic season where all four teams make the playoffs? As we head into Week 6, overreactions are already swirling around the league, prompting fans and analysts alike to speculate on the potential for an all-out NFC North playoff scenario. In this article, we’ll analyze the current standings, team performances, and the likelihood of this unprecedented event occurring.
## Current NFC North Standings
As of Week 6, the NFC North standings are tightly contested. Here’s how the teams stack up:
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers | 4 | 1 | .800 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 3 | 2 | .600 |
| Chicago Bears | 3 | 2 | .600 |
| Detroit Lions | 2 | 3 | .400 |
### Analyzing Team Performances
#### Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have emerged as a dominant force this season. Led by quarterback Jordan Love and a rejuvenated defense, they have shown resilience and the ability to close out tight games. Their explosive offense combined with a solid defensive line positions them as strong contenders for the playoffs.
– **Key Players:** Jordan Love (QB), Aaron Jones (RB), and Jaire Alexander (CB).
- **Strengths:** Strong home-field advantage and a balanced offense.
– **Challenges:** Consistency in the passing game.
#### Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have been a rollercoaster ride this season. With a potent offense driven by Justin Jefferson and Kirk Cousins, they can score quickly but have struggled defensively. If they can tighten their defense, they can solidify their playoff hopes.
– **Key Players:** Kirk Cousins (QB), Justin Jefferson (WR), and Dalvin Cook (RB).
– **Strengths:** High-scoring offense and strong receiving corps.
– **Challenges:** Vulnerable secondary and inconsistency in key moments.
#### Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have turned their season around after a shaky start. With a dynamic running game and an improving defense, they pose a threat to any opponent. If Justin Fields continues to develop as a passer, the Bears could find themselves in the playoff mix.
– **Key Players:** Justin Fields (QB), Khalil Herbert (RB), and Roquan Smith (LB).
– **Strengths:** Strong running game and playmaking ability.
– **Challenges:** Inexperience in the passing game.
#### Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions, once perennial underdogs, have shown flashes of brilliance this season. They have the talent to compete, but inconsistency has plagued them. A playoff berth is still within reach, but they need to string together victories in the coming weeks.
– **Key Players:** Jared Goff (QB), Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR), and D’Andre Swift (RB).
- **Strengths:** Offensive firepower and young talent.
– **Challenges:** Defensive lapses and relying too heavily on the offense.
## The Case for Four Playoff Teams
### Historical Context
The NFL has seen instances where multiple teams from the same division make the playoffs, but four teams is uncharted territory. The most recent example of three teams from one division making the playoffs occurred in the NFC West in 2020. However, with the expanded playoff format allowing seven teams per conference, the possibility of four teams from the NFC North is tantalizingly close.
### Current Trend Analysis
1. **Strength of Schedule**: If the NFC North teams can capitalize on weaker opponents in the second half of the season, their chances of securing playoff spots increase significantly.
2. **Intra-Divisional Rivalries**: Divisional matchups can be unpredictable. Winning these games could bolster playoff aspirations and eliminate competition.
3. **Wild Card Spots**: With three wild card spots available, a strong finish for the Vikings, Bears, and Lions could land them in playoff contention alongside the Packers.
### Statistically Speaking
– Each team in the NFC North has a legitimate shot at at least nine wins, which is often the benchmark for playoff qualification.
– The addition of a 17-game schedule gives teams more opportunities to secure victories, thus improving their playoff odds.
## Overreactions and Realities
### Common Overreactions
– **”The Packers are Super Bowl favorites!”**: While they are performing well, it’s essential to remember the unpredictability of the playoff landscape.
– **”The Lions are out of the playoffs!”**: With a strong second half, the Lions can still make a run, given their competitive roster.
– **”The Bears are a lock!”**: Consistency will be key for the Bears; they need to prove they can win against playoff-caliber teams.
### Realistic Expectations
– **Balanced View**: Each team has strengths and weaknesses. Emphasizing team balance will be crucial for playoff success.
– **Injury Management**: Teams must manage player health to ensure they are at full strength during the playoff push.
## Benefits of a Competitive NFC North
1. **Increased Fan Engagement**: A competitive division makes for exciting football and heightened fan interest.
2. **Rivalry Intensification**: Each game becomes more meaningful, enhancing the traditional rivalries between teams.
3. **Economic Boost**: More playoff games mean increased revenue for teams and local economies.
## First-Hand Experience: An NFC North Fan Perspective
As a lifelong NFC North fan, nothing compares to the excitement of watching each team compete for playoff spots. The thrill of close games, the intensity of rivalries, and the sheer unpredictability of outcomes make this division special. Whether it’s a last-minute win or a surprising upset, each week brings new stories and unforgettable moments.
## Practical Tips for Fans
1. **Stay Updated**: Follow team news, injury reports, and analysis to keep abreast of playoff chances.
2. **Watch Key Matchups**: Pay attention to divisional games, as these will significantly impact playoff standings.
3. **Join Fan Communities**: Engaging in forums or social media can enhance the experience through discussions and predictions.
## Conclusion
The possibility of the NFC North making history with four playoff teams is more than just a pipe dream; it’s a realistic scenario given the current standings and team performances. However, there’s still much football to be played, and each team must navigate the challenges ahead. As we move deeper into the season, the excitement will only continue to grow. Keep an eye on these teams as they battle for a place in NFL history!
