Vikings boosted as NFC North rivals Packers, Lions and Bears all lose

The Vikings are 0-2, but are no worse off than before Week 2.

Adam Uren | Sep 17, 2023

Vikings boosted as NFC North rivals Packers, Lions and Bears all lose /

The Minnesota Vikings were handed a huge boost on Sunday as all three of their NFC North rivals lost.

After beating the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, the Detroit Lions were beaten 37-31 at home by the Seattle Seahawks, while the Green Bay Packers – who hammered the Chicago Bears in Week 1 – were beaten late in the 4th Quarter 25-24 by the Atlanta Falcons.

The Bears were unable to get it done against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – who conquered the Vikings in Week 1 – with Baker Mayfield's men triumphing 27-17.

After the Vikings fell to the Bucs and the Philadelphia Eagles, things were looking challenging just two weeks into the season.

All of a sudden things are looking a whole lot more hopeful, with the highly touted Lions reverting to type by disappointing their fans, with Jared Goff throwing a crucial pick 6 to help the Seahawks take the lead in the 4th quarter.

The Lions were able to strike back to force overtime, only for the Seahawks' Tyler Lockett scored the decisive touchdown to win 37-31.

Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) tackles Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III during the first half at Ford Field, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. Defensive end Charles Harris (53) also helps out on the play. Picture: © Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

While Jordan Love threw for three touchdowns for the Packers in Atlanta, he managed to complete just 14 passes out of 25 for a mere 151 yards.

And the Chicago team led Justin Fields, meanwhile, continues to struggle for rhythm, with Fields throwing a touchdown but two interceptions, while only rushing for three yards – albeit including a touchdown – in Tampa.

Next up for the Vikings is the Los Angeles Chargers, who are also 0-2 after falling to Ryan Tannehill and the Tennessee Titans 27-24 in overtime in Nashville.

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Published Sep 17, 2023

ADAM UREN

Raised on the Isle of Man, Adam has 15 years experience as a reporter and editor at regional and national level in the U.K. and the U.S. He moved to Minnesota in 2014 and became a writer for Bring Me The News. He is now the co-owner and editor of Bring Me The News and Bring Me The Sports, mixing in some occasional sports writing with his other editorial duties. He lists his three great loves as his family, Liverpool F.C. and baked beans (the British kind).