Most of the teams in the NFC North won this week. One of them gave up 200 rush yards to a team with six wins and a negative 30-point differential. Let's get into the carnage.

Chicago Bears

The Bears beat the Panthers 16-13 in what was probably their most important game of the season. 

Game Notes

• The Bears own the Panthers' first-round pick next season so this was a rare game that Bears needed to win. For most of the last decade, the Bears have been better off trying to lose each game for draft picks that they would inevitably waste. 
• Tyson Bagent looked like a UDFA rookie and D'Onta Foreman led the team in rushing with 3.8 yards per carry. This was a classic "we're playing the Panthers and they're the only team worse than us" kind of win. 
• The defense continues to look not quite bad enough to induce vomiting. TJ Edwards had a ton of tackles again, Jaquan Brisker played well, and slot corner Kyler Gordon got in on the fun with two TFLs and a pass defensed. The Bears' even had three sacks in the game. 
• The Bears could possibly own two of the first three picks in the draft. Don't be surprised to see players go back to school for another season en masse.

Former Packers

• The pair of former Badgers linebackers combined for 19 tackles. 

• EQ St. Brown had a catch for 4 yards. 

Next Week

The Bears play the Lions. 

Lions

The Lions beat the Chargers 41-38. 

Game Notes

• The Lions offense has become dominant. Chargers head coach Brandon Staley was hired for his defensive prowess and the team has several all-pros on the defense. Sure they aren't quite as good as you'd think, but you wouldn't expect a team to dog walk them to 41 points like the Lions did. 
• It all starts with the run game and the Lions are the best in the league at running the ball, according to EPA per play. Sort of ironic that they dominated the team with the most analytics forward head coach by running the ball. Montgomery and Gibbs each had over 100 total yards on the day (35 of Gibbs came in the pass game) and they opened up the field enough for Goff to throw for 10 YPA on a smooth 23-33 for 333 and 2 TDs day. 
• The defense didn't play as well. Aaron Glenn had this defense semi-turned around prior to this week. The Chargers moved the ball all day despite only having one legit veteran target - Keenan Allen. Allen had 11 catches for 175 yards and two TDs.
• The Lions D at least shut down the run, holding Austin Ekeler to 67 yards on 19 carries but the poor pass defense is problematic. Imagine them facing the Vikings with three pro-bowl level targets in the playoffs. 

Vikings

The Vikings took out the Saints 27 to 19. 

Game Notes

• Well, the Vikings have turned it around. Their offensive structure and playcalling is good enough that they can bring in a journeyman QB from the Cardinals of all teams and have a plus offensive performance two weeks in a row. The Vikings and Lions are both really good. That is enough to make you vomit. 

• Josh Dobbs was 23/34 for 268 yards and a TD. The Vikings have spread the ball around since losing Justin Jefferson. This week TJ Hockenson got the call. The former bust at tight end had 11 catches for 134 yards and a TD. Basically half of Dobbs' production. The Athletic NFL podcast talked a lot about how many tight ends break out right when their second contract starts because it just takes that long to learn the position. Somehow the North has two tight ends in that spot right now and a third having one of the best rookie tight end seasons ever. Great. 

• The defense played well, opponent notwithstanding. Flores has turned the defense around this season and his aggressive style is a hard one for offenses to adjust to when they're used to seeing soft umbrella coverage every week. 

Former Packers

• Dean Lowry missed the game with a groin injury. 

Next Week

The Vikings play the Broncos.