Which division is the only one with all four teams having winning records after Week 5 of the NFL season?
That's right, it's the NFC North. A division most thought would be one of the weakest in football at the start of the season has turned out to be the most competitive through the first quarter of the NFL season.
This is shaping up to be a wild ride in 2024 to determine the NFC North champion. Let's a take a look at some of the headlines coming out of Minnesota, Detroit, Green Bay and Chicago after Week 5:
MINNESOTA
Record: 5-0
Last week: Minnesota 23, New York Jets 17
Next up: Bye
Headlines:
1. Vikings playing complementary football
Good teams can win a multitude of ways and the Vikings showed that in a 23-17 win over the Jets in London on Sunday. Quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense had been lights out through the first four weeks of the season, but Darnold was just 14-of-31 passing for 179 yards with an interception and a 50.3 passer rating Sunday. The offense had just 253 yards, but the defense came up with three interceptions, including a pick-six, to help carry Minnesota to victory. That's what good teams do.
2. Aaron Jones injury could impact offense significantly
Jones has been a perfect fit for the Vikings since coming over in free agency but the veteran running back left the game Sunday with a hip injury and did not return. That left Ty Chandler, Myles Gaskin and fullback C.J. Ham to handle the running load.
Ham rushed two times for 10 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown in the second quarter to make it a 17-0 game. Chandler churned up 30 yards on 14 attempts. Gaskin had two carries for two yards and Darnold 11 yards on five carries. That's a 2.3 yards per carry average for anyone running the ball besides Jones (7 carries for 29 yards before he left).
3. Harrison Smith joins elite club
The veteran Vikings safety has been a thorn in the side of NFC North opponents for years and he continues to do his thing at age 35. Smith recorded a sack on Jets QB Aaron Rodgers late in the second quarter to up his career total to 20.5. He has now joined an elite list of players who recorded at least 30 interceptions and 20 sacks – Charles Woodson (65 interceptions and 20 sacks), Larry Wilson (52, 21), Ronde Barber (47, 28), LeRoy Butler (38, 20.5), Brian Dawkins (37, 26) and Rodney Harrison (34, 30.5).
DETROIT
Record: 3-1
Last week: Bye
Next up: at Dallas (3-2)
Headlines:
1. Toughest stretch of season upcoming
After enjoying a week off to rest and heal up a bit, the Lions come out of their early bye week ready to embark on the toughest stretch of games on this young 2024 season. Detroit hits the road for two against Dallas (3-2) and Minnesota (5-0) before coming home Week 8 to play Tennessee (1-3). Then they hit the road again for two more in Green Bay (3-2) and Houston (4-1). That's four road games of their next five against opponents who have a combined 15-5 record.
2. Lions getting healthy coming out of bye
All-Pro center Frank Ragnow (pec) and safety Brian Branch (illness) didn't take part in Detroit's Week 4 win over the Seahawks. With a week to rest and recover thanks to the bye week, Campbell said both Ragnow and Branch took part in Detroit's Monday practice. That's certainly a good sign for both players for their availability Sunday in Dallas.
3. Cleaning up penalties a priority moving forward
The Lions were flagged for the fifth most penalties in the league through the first four weeks of the season. They were flagged for a season-high 12 for 101 yards in their Week 4 win against Seattle. The defense has been responsible for 20 of the 31 accepted penalties. Head coach Dan Campbell said they'll continue to work one-on-ones in practice and preach fundamental football to try and curb the high penalty totals early on.
GREEN BAY
Record: 3-2
Last week: Green Bay 24, Los Angeles Rams 19
Next up: vs. Arizona (2-3)
Headlines:
1. Xavier McKinney is one of the most impactful free agency adds early in the season
McKinney, who signed with Green Bay after spending his first four years in New York with the Giants, has an interception in each one of his five games with the Packers. His latest came Sunday to make him just the third NFL player since 1940 to record an interception in each of his first five games with a team, according to ESPN Research. One series before the pick, McKinney recovered a fumble. The Packers have 14 takeaways, the most by any team through five games since the 2021 Buffalo Bills (15).
2. The Packers are planning to get wide receiver Romeo Doubs back this week
Doubs was suspended for Sunday's game for conduct detrimental to the team when he skipped two practices last week. The Packers were already without Christian Watson due to an ankle injury and had just four active receivers for the game. Wide receiver Jayden Reed (78 yards) and tight end Tucker Kraft (88 & 2 TD) held down the fort from a pass-catching perspective vs. the Rams, with the expectation being Doubs will be back in the mix this week.
3. Backup contributions big for Packers' D-line
With Devonte Wyatt not playing Sunday with an ankle injury, the Packers turned to 2023 draft picks Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden to step up in Wyatt's absence. Brooks finished with two tackles and 1.5 sacks along with three quarterback hits. Wooden had three tackles.
"Both of them did great," defensive lineman Kenny Clark told packers.com after the game. "I think the defensive tackles, we all played pretty good. Colby and KB, they both stepped up. D-Wy was out today. We knew they had to play a huge role today and credit to them, they prepared like they're starters every single week."
View some of the best photos through the first four weeks of the Detroit Lions 2024 season.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
The light show at Ford Field before a Sunday Night Football game between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores a touchdown in overtime during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) breaks up a pass during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) and Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks a field goal during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97), and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) walk out for the coin toss before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93), and Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) celebrates after a strip sack before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Fans during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) with fans during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) scrambles for a first down during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey (30), Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21), Detroit Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor (29), Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32), Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0), and Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23), celebrate after an interception during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) laterals to Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Marcus Davenport (92) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) breaks up a pass during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Ford Field during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader (98) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68), and Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93), Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34), and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) recovers a fumble during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
CHICAGO
Record: 3-2
Last week: Chicago 36, Carolina 10
Next up: vs. Jacksonville (1-4)
Headlines:
1. Chicago won the Carolina trade big time
It was just two years ago the Bears sent the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft to Carolina in exchange for wide receiver DJ Moore and selections in the first (No. 9) and second rounds (No. 61) in 2023, a 2024 first-round choice that turned out to be the No. 1 overall pick and a 2025 second-round selection. Chicago got Moore, RT Darnell Wright, CB Tyrique Stevenson, QB Caleb Williams, P Tory Taylor and a second-round pick next year. Carolina got quarterback Bryce Young, who they recently benched. Chicago's 26-point win over Carolina Sunday just puts salt in the wound on a trade that's set the Panthers back multiple years.
2. Williams settling in nicely
The Bears' rookie quarterback had his best outing of the season as the Chicago offense finally came out of its shell against Carolina. The Bears were balanced on offense for the second straight game. Williams completed 20-of-29 passes for 304 yards with two touchdowns, no turnovers and a 126.2 passer rating. It was a season-high in points and yards (424) for the Bears.
3. Bears could be a threat if offense figures it out consistently
Chicago's defense contributed three takeaways and four sacks while limiting the Panthers to 292 total yards and a 25 percent success rate on third down (3-of-12) on Sunday. Chicago's defense ranks fifth in points allowed, seventh in total defense and are sixth against the pass. They have the third most takeaways (11) and are in the top half in sacks (14). If Williams continues to settle in at quarterback and the Bears can be balanced on offense, they'll have a complementary football team that can win quite a few games.
