Packers Must Keep Pace with Lions and Bears
The Packers need a win to stay in first place in the NFC North
As the Green Bay Packers head into an NFC showdown with the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles, they must keep one eye on tonight’s opponent, the Eagles and another eye on its key competition in the NFC North, the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears.
After Sunday’s results, the Packers are a win game behind the Lions and Bears, who both have 6-3 records. A Packers win over the Eagles puts them at 6-2-1 and keeps them in the NFC North lead.
Packers still currently 1st in the NFC North following today's games. They sit as the #3 seed in the NFC.
With a win tomorrow, they will stay 1st in the North and move to #2 in the NFC. With a loss tomorrow they move to 3rd in the NFC North and 7th in the NFC.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) November 10, 2025
| Team | Record | Remaining Games |
| Packers | 5-2-1 | at NYG, Min, at Det, Chi, at Den, at Chi, Bal, Min |
| Lions | 6-3 | at Phi, NYG, GB, Dal, at LAR, Pit, at Min, at Chi |
| Bears | 6-3 | at Min, Pit, at Phi, at GB, Cle, GB, at SF, Det |
The last time the Packers led the division in November was in 2021, when they finished with a 13-4 record and were the No. 1 seed in the NFC. It was the third of three straight NFC North titles, and three seasons that all finished with 13 regular season wins.
The 2021 season may feel like a lifetime ago since the Lions and Vikings have been atop the division the last four seasons. The Vikings finished 13-4 in 2022, before losing in a wild card playoff game to the New York Giants as the NFC No. 3 seed. The Lions have won the division the past two seasons, finishing with records of 12-5 and 15-2 in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
The last time the Bears were able to win the North was in 2018, a season where the Packers went 6-9-1 and Mike McCarthy was fired in early December.
All-time NFC North Titles (since 2002)
| Team | NFC North Titles | Years |
| Packers | 12 | 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Bears | 4 | 2005, 2006, 2010, 2018 |
| Vikings | 4 | 2008, 2009, 2017, 2022 |
| Lions | 2 | 2023, 2024 |
For the Packers to beat the Eagles they will need the same formula they used in beating both the Lions and the Steelers, the only two winning teams they’ve beaten thus far this year. In both games there were several similarities.
1. Hit Explosive Plays in the Passing Game: In Week 1 it was explosive passes to Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed which set up scores. Against the Steelers, there were multiple explosive passes to both Tucker Kraft and Christian Watson, which led to a season-high 35 points scored.
2. Get to the Quarterback: The Packers were able to get to Jared Goff four times, highlighted by sacks by Rashan Gary, Devonte Wyatt and Micah Parsons. Against Aaron Rodgers, the Packers pass rush had three more sacks, with two more by Gary and another by Parsons. They will need to get pressure on Jalen Hurts, who has been sacked 25 times this season. The 25 sacks is ranked 9th worst in the NFL this season.
3. Take the Ball Away: The Packers were unable to generate any turnovers in their two losses and tie. In the two wins over Detroit and Pittsburgh, they got just one in each game, but they were both in critical spots. Against Detroit, Evan Williams’ interception stopped a potential Lions touchdown before halftime and against Pittsburgh, Javon Bullard’s fumble recovery put the dagger into comeback hopes for the Steelers. They will need to get that key takeaway on Monday night.
Micah Parsons on significance of #Packers’ upcoming matchup vs. Eagles.
Philly has what Packers want. Parsons says his team needs to take it. Monday night is chance to send a message.
“It’s going to be a very respectful and disrespectful game. It’s going to be a dog fight.” pic.twitter.com/j6nheNgkIW
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) November 7, 2025
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Mitch McLaughlin is a Packers fan and shareholder residing in Sacramento, California. He will be writing Packers stories each week on Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter: @McLaughlinMitch
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Comments (39)
T7Steve
November 10, 2025 at 07:45 am
"they must keep one eye on tonight’s opponent, the Eagles and another eye on its key competition in the NFC North, the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears."
Good way to lose a game. Just worry about tonight or go home. Let the fans worry about anything else. Can't control what the others do only what you do,
SicSemperTyrannis
November 10, 2025 at 10:25 am
Came here to say this! Thank you.
"1-0"
GPG!
Coldworld
November 10, 2025 at 04:11 pm
Well put. Worry about what one can control not what one can’t. For the Packers that’s tonight’s game against the Eagles and being the best we can be throughout it, nothing more.
Leatherhead
November 10, 2025 at 04:21 pm
OMG. You took the words right out of my mouth. I'm flabbergasted.
mjbrogno
November 10, 2025 at 08:23 am
It’s gut check time. This game will definitely set the tone for the rest of the season. Yes, it’s only one game, but a lot rides on the confidence level for this team.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 10, 2025 at 10:26 am
Disagreed.
Every week is 1-0.
Obviously it's better if they win tonight's very tough game, but if they don't the sky doesn't fall.
Rory P Scrotem
November 10, 2025 at 08:29 am
If the Packers play a strong, smart game against the Eagles and lose...it will not be the worst thing in the World. The Eagles are a great, great team!
However, the next 3 games the Packers play after the Eagles are critical. If the Packers lose to the Eagles and then go 1 & 2 after...the Packers will be in trouble. If they go 2 & 1...AND...stay relatively healthy, they have a good chance to make the play-offs.
I keep hearing that teams have to find themselves as the season progresses. And, I agree with this wholeheartedly however, how may games are we talking about for teams finding themselves?
When I hear "CONSTANTLY" we have to clean up this or that...I'm always thinking, why are other teams successful and the Packers are not? Penalties come to mind more than anything...and then, turnovers!
I am hoping, wishing & praying for a good game tonight against the Eagles. If we have another game like last week with allotta "clean up" issues; I'm hoping that it is the Eagles who will be making the mess!
*Go Micah Go * Go Rashon Go * Go Xavier Go * Go Jordan Go * Go Josh Go * Go Christian Go * Go Matt Go *
HawkPacker
November 10, 2025 at 10:47 am
Love needs to develop a more winning attitude/culture~
SinceLombardi
November 10, 2025 at 09:16 pm
The Eagles were a great, great team. It’s 2025. The Rams , Seahawks and Lions are currently better.
The Packers are about as good as the Bears. Only the Bears probably have a better head coach.
Rory P Scrotem
November 10, 2025 at 08:32 am
I believe in Go Gutey Go...NOT, Gutey's gotta Go...
LambeauPlain
November 10, 2025 at 09:07 am
The identity of the Packers this season has been three constants:
1. Playing up or down to the level of the competition
2. Ongoing mistakes, penalties, miscues...sloppy play that robs field position, wrecks attempts to play with tempo
3. One of the most lengthy injury reports every week keeping guys from practice time together
Hopefully #1 occurs tonight. #2 is eliminated tonight. #3 has already happened and is a decided disadvantage.
May the Home Field advantage on Monday Night be rekindled in the Lambeau Shrine! (It was non existent last Sunday...the most uninspired performance and disgusted crowds since 2018 when Packers lost to the pathetic Cardinals & McCarthy was fired 2 hours later).
SicSemperTyrannis
November 10, 2025 at 10:29 am
Up tempo is also a thing. Get away from running the play clock all the way down so consistently that it gives the opposing D line the jump, but some hurry up offense to exploit them being out of position would help a lot, too.
CheesePuff
November 10, 2025 at 09:07 am
The Packers don’t have the players or the coaches to beat the Eagles. Anything is possible, but I wouldn’t bet on it. How are the Packers favored in this game???
Brewcity_BearsFan
November 10, 2025 at 11:07 am
Line is currently GB -1.5, at home. One could argue that despite that number, the public generally views the Eagles as the favorite.
dobber
November 10, 2025 at 09:54 am
Why is it that people seem to want to place a crown on Chicago for the same kinds of wins they want to piss on the Packers for?
Chicago has been fortunate to win the last two weeks against two of the worst 3 defenses in the league---they'll go 2-6 the rest of the way and miss the playoffs.
The Vikings have a very aggressive defense and they will keep that clunky offense in games. The Ravens got after McCarthy all game long. McCarthy looks more and more like Christian Ponder 2.0, and teams are actually daring him to throw at this stage--even with the WR group they have. Jalen Nailor was the only reason they were even close at the end yesterday (and it wasn't even all that close). I still think they'll win 3 or maybe 4 more.
Unless the Packers can get their heads on straight, the Lions--to me--are still the class of the division. Yes, they ran up the score against a beat-up Washington team yesterday, but they should be favored to win all but one of their remaining games. They're vulnerable in the secondary if teams can give their QBs time to get the ball downfield. I think they lose 2 yet (maybe 3 if their injuries continue to pile up), and one will be to Philly next week.
The Packers are the enigma here. I could see them winning as many as 7 (if they get it together) or as few as 3 (if they continue to play meh football). Before the season, I predicted 11-6. I still think 10-11 wins is pretty much right.
Lions--13-4 (Division winner, 2 seed)
Packers--11-5-1 (Wild card)
Bears--8-9
Vikings--8-9
SicSemperTyrannis
November 10, 2025 at 10:32 am
Fair prognostication, but anything can happen. The Green Bay Enigmas!
T7Steve
November 10, 2025 at 10:49 am
What do you think the Bills' fans think today?
Wonder if they're just about ready to give up and say, "I told you so." like so many here.
The only problem this team has is the O-line and it can get healthy and start clicking soon. Once Jacobs starts rolling thing will be easier even for the line. They just need to spring him a couple times.
Brewcity_BearsFan
November 10, 2025 at 11:11 am
I have asked a similar question. Why do the Bears get overlooked for ugly wins, when after Cincinnati, and Arizona, these boards were filled with a "win is a win".
Likely to be a very unpopular sentiment here, but Williams is showing to be a better "Clutch" QB than Love.Certainly better under pressure.
Do I think Chicago will be a Playoff team? No. Do I think they are trending in the right direction? Yes. Tell me you wouldn't want their O line in GB?
barutanseijin
November 10, 2025 at 05:49 pm
Yeah, and we also heard that Rex Grossman was better than Favre, Jay Cutler was better than Rodgers, & Mitch Trubiskey & Justin Fields were MVP candidates. So much for the reasonable Bears fan on a Packer board schtick.
Brewcity_BearsFan
November 10, 2025 at 06:02 pm
Of all the things you never heard, you never heard those the most.
Leatherhead
November 10, 2025 at 11:18 am
For the Lions to be 13-4, that would mean they are only going to lose one more game all season. I think that's....unlikely. They do have a very winnable stretch of games, but luck, officiating, pulled muscles, the weather , etc. make it hard to go 7-1 in the second half of the season. I think it's going to come down to the Thanksgiving game.
Hey...Chicago is impressing me. A wondrous, team building win in the 4th quarter after being not much for the first thee quarters. lf Williams had more help they'd be a problem . As it is, I think we'll beat them twice.
I don't see the Vikings as 8-9, either. They already have 5 losses and I think we'll beat them twice, so I'm seeing more than 9 losses for them this year.
WorseWisconsin
November 10, 2025 at 03:56 pm
"people seem to want to place a crown on Chicago"
Wow, I don't know where you're reading that. I have not seen one credible site trying to 'crown' (which I assume you mean the bears are competitive for winning the division) the Bears.
These can all be true at the same time:
Truth #1: The bears are winning games that they'd definitely lose under Nagy or Eberflus.
Truth #2: The bears are winning games that they'd definitely lose with Trubisky or Fields.
Truth #3: The bears are coming up on the difficult part of their schedule.
Truth #4: These wins show improvement, but are in no way convincing that the bears are a legit contender for a deep playoff run.
The Bears are competing for one of the 3 wildcard spots against: NFCw2nd-place (Rams or Seahawks), NFCn2nd-place (Packers or Lions), NFCw3rd-place (probably 49ers). The Bears are just not in the class of any of those teams yet.
And they need to hope the Vikings, Panthers and Falcons don't get hot.
Bears might get that 7th seed, but the 49ers would have to take a pretty big fall, and their remaining schedule is MUCH easier than the Bears.
I'll take the wins, the better coaching and the clutch QB play! A playoff spot is gravy.
Leatherhead
November 10, 2025 at 04:28 pm
I assumed that was a facetious reference to Denny Green's famous "You want to crown them?" rant. "We know who they are".
The last time the Bears were three games over .500 was October 26, 2020, when they were 5-2 after losing to the Rams, Then they lost 5 in a row.
NFLfan
November 10, 2025 at 10:10 am
The team will be focused on this game against the Eagles and MLF will have put his all into a game plan but he hasn't admitted to the need for in-game support from a top-notch tactical offensive mind to persuade him to balance his gut reactions with analytics, calm his over-aggressiveness, educate him re: over-use of inappropriate play-calls. Murphy or the 'football committee' should have stepped in long ago.
SicSemperTyrannis
November 10, 2025 at 10:33 am
I think all that would be fixed by demoting MLF to OC
HawkPacker
November 10, 2025 at 10:53 am
Clearly will not happen. If he is fired, do you think he would actually come back as the OC?
NFLfan
November 10, 2025 at 11:13 am
MLF is not a top tier, tactical offensive mind. He would not be a good enough OC in today's NFL
TheBigCat
November 10, 2025 at 12:11 pm
I caught only the last 3 1/2 minutes of Bears game: where Bears defense held the Giants' offense, the shanked punt, and then Bears march to the end zone. The naked bootleg call and execution by Williams was brilliant, but was predicated on poor edge play (actually no edge play) by Giants corner. Contrary to the song, I don't think like "the Bears still suck."
NFLfan
November 10, 2025 at 12:35 pm
The game was Giants 20 and Bears 10 in the 4th. I took a shower and within what seemed like several minutes-the Bears were ahead 24-20.
Of course, Dart was out with a possible concussion and the Bears took advantage of Wilson, but Caleb Williams was spectacular and clutch.
Coldworld
November 10, 2025 at 04:15 pm
Hope springs eternal.
TarynsEyes
November 10, 2025 at 01:37 pm
"The Packers need a win to stay in first place in the NFC North".
Dumbest rally cheer that can be offered. This isn't about winning the Division, it's about getting the team to play the best they can to actually, in reality, to play and win the SB. Winning the NFCN doesn't guarantee that, and as of now, it isn't looking good for it to happen anyway.
T7Steve
November 10, 2025 at 01:44 pm
Going 1 and 5 in the division wasn't good last season. Going 5 and 1 this season would be a step in the right direction, don't you think? Win the division and get at least one more home game to go with the 9 away this season.
TarynsEyes
November 10, 2025 at 02:11 pm
Winning the Division is a nice perk, and 1-5 in the Division didn't eliminate them from the playoffs, close, but didn't. Going 5-1 this season, though very unlikely, will allow them a playoff spot.
I do not believe last year would have been a different outcome if the Division winner, as I do about this year, if so. This team is not compatible to those like Rams, Sea, Det, Phi to get to the SB as it plays now. They should have grown past where they are after week 10, but still look and play the same as last year.
This team is not growing, but standing still. Hard to accept as a fan, yes, but it appears far too willing by the team and coaches to do just that, stand still while others grow and evolve.
This team's mindset should be playoff spot, period, not Division winner. If that comes, great, if it doesn't, do they have a playoff spot because they're better than last year, or a backdoor entrance by default.
T7Steve
November 10, 2025 at 02:32 pm
The reason they look the same, or maybe even not as good at running the ball, is the same. O-line.
The offense will shine if the O-line can get its act together, otherwise it won't matter what all the others can do or not do. A consistent offense will allow the D to shine, and we wouldn't have to worry as much about the D-line.
Coldworld
November 10, 2025 at 04:26 pm
Obviously the run game clicking would help, but I don’t see that as a cure all. We have to get more from the other skill players. Primarily that calls into question the scheme we’ve been running and the way it’s been called as much as the OL deficiencies in both tactics and execution.
Against some teams we could hide issues if we could run all game long. Versus others that’s unrealistic. Certainly it’s unlikely to carry us through the playoffs.
Our passing offense as currently deployed shows no signs that it can handle the load consistently over a full game. It’s not drops or poor QB play, it’s the scheme and calling that is the be primary limitation absent a low percentage play or two u folding our way.
Without Kraft (more YAC after the catch than all other Packers combined) we are going to have to do things differently as well. It’s pretty ludicrous that Kraft dwarfs the YAC of Golden or even Williams on that scale.
Doubs and Wicks aren’t likely to be huge sources of YAC after the catch. LaFleur has to figure out how, or have the courage, to unlock those who do bring that potential, including Musgrave, and that means not just business as we’ve been conducting it this season to date.
Leatherhead
November 10, 2025 at 04:46 pm
Well, I'm going to agree with the central premise that we could really use some big plays in the passing game. We have scored 13 TDs in the air, but we are missing Kraft, and he's been our main guy.
Teams have scored points on Philadelphia this year. They've given up more points than us. They've given up twice as many rushing TDs as us. In fact, they aren't better than us in any significant defensive metric that I can see.
Keep the offense on the field and wait for Philly to make a mistake, which they will.
Dick-theBruiser-Afflis
November 10, 2025 at 04:42 pm
The picture becomes more and more clear with every month and will be evident to all soon.
It is appropriate we are playing the Eagles - as Howie Roseman had the balls to cut Carson Wentz loose despite signing him to a big contract just a year earlier.
Rodgers after 8 games had 17 touchdown passes and 5 interceptions – the 17 touchdowns puts him in a tie for 4th and Herbert and Nix both one in front of Rodgers with 18 touchdown passes have played 1 and 2 more games this year. In Rodgers last MVP season of 2021-22 Rodgers also had 17 touchdown passes – and 2 interceptions – after 8 games. The difference is Rodgers had years of familiarity with his backs, receivers and tight ends in that 2021-22 season and this year Rodgers is with a crew he has just met.
And Jordan continues to show us what most of us all knew he was back in 2019, his final year of college, and it was demonstrated again last week against the Panthers - who were the only team - besides the Browns (who Jordan also failed against) - that the Packers have played this year with a top 10 passing defense in terms of lowest passing yards allowed per game.
Tonight's game against the Eagles should be interesting because the Eagles are 17th ranked in lowest passing yards allowed but 4th lowest in passer rating allowed.
I expect that Lafleur will try to run the ball early- given Jordan's annual season ending meltdown in last year's wild card game with the Eagles with 3 interceptions and a 41.5 passing rating - lowest in Packer playoff history for any quarterback with 20 or more passing attempts. I expect Lafleur will continue to wear down Jacobs - and that could of all been averted if the IDIOT Gutekunst had sprung for the extra 1 or 2 million in guaranteed money beloved loyal Aaron Jones wanted.
I expect the Eagles to run the ball against the size depleted Packers - courtesy of Gutekunst allowing TJ Slaton to walk and trading Clark - with Hurts and Barkley and Tank Bigsby - doubt AJ Dillion sees the field - with intermediate passes to tight end Goedert - who stiff armed Valentine like a tiny little boy - on his way to a touchdown in the wild card loss last year and the 225 pound WR Brown manhandling Valentine again as Rasul Douglas excels for the Dolphins and Jaire hopes to re-start his career with the Eagles - like DeVondre Campbell Jaire succumbed to the pressure of playing too soon with injuries. Just a year ago Jaire opened the season with 2 interceptions and 4 passes defensed in his first 3 games, including an interception against the Eagles in the first game in Brazil - hopefully he has recovered because when he is not hurt he is still an All Pro corner - Howie Roseman decided the risk was worthwhile.
Packers can't get behind as then the Packers may be forced to pass.
The Packers defense - and Jacobs on offense - most likely get worn down and Eagles win the game by literally RUNNING the clock out.
Only becomes an Eagles blow out if Jordan collapses - AGAIN.
Hope Jordan and Micah and the Packers prove me wrong on all counts and the Packers pull it out.
The opening line was Packers by 2.5 points - line is currently Packers by 1 with an over/under of 45.5 implying a Packers 23 Eagles 22 final score - maybe gambling has the refs on the Packers side. In the NBA- allegedly - its been the coaches, players and refs, so why not the NFL.
LeotisHarris
November 10, 2025 at 05:41 pm
So, you're saying you don't see this as a trap game for the Eagles?
SinceLombardi
November 10, 2025 at 10:41 pm
NOT happening. It’s now a season on the brink.