Around the NFC North: 2025 Week 17

At least the Lions are bad. 

After all that, the Lions will likely end up as the worst team in the North this season. Isn't it great? 

Vikings and Lions

The Vikings plastered the Lions, 23-10.

Game Notes

  • I went to middle school in Minnesota and can't say I've ever rooted for the Vikings prior to this game. Lions fans have just been so insane on Twitter the past few years that it needed to happen. And they lost by two TDs to a team that had three total pass yards. Hilarious. 
  • Max Brosmer, formerly the worst QB in NFL history, actually had 51 yards on 9/16 passing but was sacked seven times for a total of 48 yards lost. Crazy. Goff took five sacks of his own and had basically the same QB rating as Brosmer, even though he passed for 200 yards. That's what happens when you throw two picks. We're gonna talk about this over and over this off-season, and I have been all season already, but isn't it amazing that Jared Goff has a $70mm cap hit next year? You'll tell a Lions fan that and they'll either say: Yeah, they'll just extend him, that's how it works (meaning they're stuck with more years of Jared Goff) or Well Jordan Love has a cap hit of $74mm three years from now (Jordan Love is actually good). At least Goff doesn't text OnlyFans models at halftime!
  • Lions fans are down so bad after this game that they're making fan fiction reports about Dan Campbell raiding Ben Johnson's coaching staff this offseason. 
  • Bad game from Aaron Jones here, 18 carries for 59 yards. I might be the only one, but I hope the Vikings cut Jones and he comes back to Green Bay next season. 
  • Future half-of-famer Justin Jefferson only had 30 yards. He has to get 53 against the Packers to hit 1,000 on the season. Great news for him that he gets to go against the Packers' corners. Two long third-downs with Valentine playing 18 yards off the ball and one switch route will get him there. 
  • Brian Flores went HAM with zero blitzes in this game. Running them on 35% of snaps. He had multiple games this season without running one. Horrific sign for Clayton Tune's potential start next week.

  

Bears

The Bears lost a barn burner to the 49ers, 42-38. 

Game Notes

  • This was almost a classic 2025-Bears game. They had a semi-fluky pick-six early on that kept them close despite being dominated yardage-wise most of the game. The game script was just too far against them ans Caleb Williams missed a wide-open DJ Moore in the end zone on the last play. 
  • Williams threw for 330 yards in the game on 25/42 passing with two tuds. It's getting harder to box score scout and say he's a bad QB, but if you watch the game, you still see the obvious plays that he's missing. The problem is that you see the ones he makes that almost no one else is making too. 
  • D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai were fine in the game, combining for 92 yards on 17 carries, they just didn't get as many carries as you'd expect because the Bears were in passing mode all game. Ben Johnson taking D'Andre Slow from us is a travesty. 
  • The real story is how bad the defense was. They weren't amazing against the Packers a week ago, remember the Packers had a weird fumbled snap, a few turnovers on downs and a fumble inside the 5-yard line. Christian McCafrey had 140 rush yards on 23 carries and another 41 receiving yards. Someone named Jake Tonges had 60 receiving yards and Ricky Pearsall had 85. You'll never guess what Ausitn Booker did on a sack attempt. 

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

Mike Price is a lifelong Packers fan who recently moved from Utah to Stoughton (a Madison suberb). You can follow him on twitter at @themikeprice.

__________________________

0 points
 

Comments (69)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
BuckyBadger's picture

December 30, 2025 at 10:26 am

Why would we want Aaron Jones back? Even on the minimum contract he will cost too much for what he brings to the table. Jacobs might be long in the tooth now and the team should look to find a new bell cow back. Have Jacobs be the veteran back and bring in some youth and health to fill out the rest.

Bears live and die off turnovers. If they don't stop the opponent with a turnover they get scored on at an alarming rate. I think I saw they give up a score on over 80% of their defensive drives that don't have a turnover. I see them as an easy out for the playoffs and hope they get the 2nd seed. In the playoffs outside I would rather play a good offense and a struggling defense over a struggling offense and defense that has won a title in the Eagles.

The Lions are constantly trying to run tick plays or play right on the edge of the rule and they keep getting burned. Both OPI calls where correct. Teslaa was running a pick play and his only intention was to pick off the DB, good call. St. Brown pushes the DB at the top of his route, easy call. This is who they are, they try to skirt the rule and than complain when it gets called against them. Their window is closed and I am laughing at them about it. Should have kicked a FG vs the 49ers two years ago in the playoffs Campbell and you just might have a ring on your finger.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:14 am

For the most part, the Lions window was their OL. When that weakened significantly through departures and then injuries, Goff was exposed and their passing O radically undermined. Their D has never been good. They always needed to score freely to win and in so doing further protect Goff. Now, too often, they are trying to force it when they can’t run all over a team. That leads to what we have been seeing.

0 points
0
0
Packerpasty's picture

December 30, 2025 at 04:01 pm

plus the better guys on the Lions O line are also getting in their 30's losing a little each year..they will have big time money problems they can't just go out and retool like they have been doing...

0 points
0
0
LambeauPlain's picture

December 30, 2025 at 05:21 pm

"Jacobs might be long in the tooth now..."

Does long in the tooth refer for a swollen, painful knee and an OL that can't block for him?

Huh, I thought that meant getting old and obvious declining production due to it.

0 points
0
0
KenEllis's picture

December 30, 2025 at 10:48 am

Good news for the collective North is it will get at least 1 playoff win … if the Packers play the Bears.

Bad news is it looks like the 15th straight season that there will be no NFC North team in the Super Bowl.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:17 am

While Bears fans won’t see it, this year there is no really good team in the North. All are flawed either on field, off it, or both.

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

December 30, 2025 at 12:20 pm

Bears fans have earned the right to do what Packer fans have been doing, denying the weak Division in their conquest of it.

0 points
0
0
dblbogey's picture

December 30, 2025 at 01:12 pm

Weak division? NFC south has 0 teams above .500. NFC east has 1 team with a winning record. NFC North has 0 teams with a below .500 record.

0 points
0
0
KenEllis's picture

December 30, 2025 at 06:09 pm

NFC Super Bowl appearances the last 14 years:

NFC East: 4

NFC South: 3

NFC West: 7

NFC North: LOL

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 30, 2025 at 06:26 pm

I don't think they're playing the upcoming Super Bowl in the last 14 years. That said, I don't think the Packers or Bears put a 1 in that list this year.

0 points
0
0
WorseWisconsin's picture

December 30, 2025 at 06:46 pm

"I don't think the Packers or Bears put a 1 in that list this year."

While I think the Bears talent level is better than what people gave them credit for, the Bears biggest weakness becomes magnified during the playoffs: the D-line is well below average. They're simply not stout enough against the run and don't have enough pass-rush juice to be a difference-maker.

I'm with you that I don't see either team getting to the SB. If I was forced to put money on an NFC team, I guess I'd put it on Seattle.

0 points
0
0
WorseWisconsin's picture

December 30, 2025 at 06:37 pm

"this year there is no really good team in the North"

Wrong.

ALL of the 'top' teams in both conferences are flawed. Good grief, the Falcons just beat the Rams. Usually you get a sense of which teams will probably make it to the SB and which teams could be a dark-horse surprise. This year just about any of the playoff teams could make it to the SB.

FWIW, due to the parity in the NFL...particularly this season...the Packers are still a threat to do damage during the playoffs.

0 points
0
0
Bearmeat's picture

December 30, 2025 at 10:53 am

It was nice to see the Bears come back to earth a bit. They’re good. Not more than that. They will lose in the playoffs quickly. I only hope it’s by our hand.

It’s nice to see the Lions suck.

It’s nice to know Minnesotas future is hell.

What’s not nice? Pretty much anything Packers right now.

Just beat the Bears in WC weekend. Other than that. Being 2026 to me now.

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:36 am

You sound like Lovie Smith, but in reverse, as like this Packer team.

0 points
0
0
LambeauPlain's picture

December 30, 2025 at 05:24 pm

Well, hell will cool a bit in ugly purple land if they get their 5th W in a row vs the hated Packers, playing backups.

0 points
0
0
Snap the ball's picture

December 30, 2025 at 10:54 am

Look at San Fran. Lost some of the best players on the team and going for the number 1 seed.

Bosa Warner. Etc.

You see the o line rankings all I think in top 10.

0 points
0
0
jlc1's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:33 am

Yes. GB has lost top players too but SF players and coaches show up and find ways to win. What a difference.

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:02 am

Let's try to be honest here, the biggest reason GB has been able to brag most of MLF's years in GB is the Division was filled with fools. The result of that has garnered nothing to think the bragging is deserved.
The lions tripped this year and could end up 8-9 or 9-8, as like Min, which could leave GB 1/2 game ahead at 9-7-1 or 1and 1/2 game ahead, but does that really matter, when looking at what was expected and delivered. Det and Min had bad a bad season, and GB is no better for it, though the Bears with HC changes and a 2nd year QB have run away with the Division.
Packer fans and most writers here at CHTV, still seem to believe this team, its HC, elite QB, whom many want to ditch for a backup are still better, and even think a return of Aaron Jones would change things.
I've said at the start of the season, in the middle of the season, and finally, again, at the end of the season, this team is standing still, and can't realize the car isn't passing others because they're facing the wrong way in a car going backwards.
Many will downvote this, I don't care as usual, but the reality is clear, I said it all along. Try at least, a little, to start seeing what this team is as an open-eyed fan, not a Packer fan, a football fan. Make it your New Year's resolution, I dare you, and I sincerely hope you can.

0 points
0
0
KenEllis's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:14 am

You obviously fail to see the greatness in the Packers, for 4 years running, finishing 2nd or 3rd in a Division unlike any other in the NFC (unlike the East, South, or West because teams in the North never actually get to Super Bowls).

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:29 am

Yes, I have tried, desperately, to allow myself a lower standard of acceptance of what great is, but, I seem compelled to be alright on the minority side with reality as my only company.

0 points
0
0
dblbogey's picture

December 30, 2025 at 01:13 pm

You have an exceptionally high opinion of yourself.

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

December 30, 2025 at 03:22 pm

Does it bother you? It seems so.

Do you have an exceptionally low opinion of yourself?

If so, I'm perfectly fine with that.

0 points
0
0
LambeauPlain's picture

December 30, 2025 at 05:27 pm

Don't think it bothers him at all to point out arrogance. I don't think he even thought about you a second after he made the observance. Obviously he got to you, though.

0 points
0
0
Packerpasty's picture

December 30, 2025 at 04:04 pm

good thing NFL went to seventh seed or the Packers, Kings of the seventh seed, wouldn't have sniffed the playoffs many years....

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:28 am

Not only were the other three teams bad initially, but Rodgers was by far the best QB as well, before his decline in 2022. For the first, and Winningest part of the LaFleur era all it took was a relatively decent improvement on the joke of a Swiss cheese that the roster had become while Ball stood in for TT at the end of the MM era. We all knew how many holes that roster had. That’s conveniently forgotten.

By the early 20s it was briefly good enough to be a real contender with Rodgers. LaFleur and his coaching deficiencies (2019) and decisions (2020-21) tripped us up of course, and for reasons the majority saw coming. It’s strange how conveniently many overlook that and try to in fact use it to justify him still.

It baffles me how many fans interpret the word to mean everything has to be positive as it is, to the point of willful forgetfulness. It’s as if support means not wanting to face on field reality and decrying others who want the team to strive to improve, even when the play repeatedly screams deficiencies.

Real supporters want their team to win. That’s the definition. They don’t make up winning in their own heads to compensate for mediocrity on field. Fandom has more adulatory connotations. Perhaps our problem is too much of that and too few true supporters.

LaFleur isn’t a Beetle, a Stone a silver screen icon or a member of NewJeans. They themselves are false images usually but nevertheless the fictions inspire near worship from
Many. LaFleur is a cog in a franchise that’s there to win the Super Bowl. That’s all.

He’s not entitled to he here. He’s not a God. He’s not succeeding and for similar reasons each year. Reading these and similar pages and articles too is often like reading cultish propaganda spreading the word of brilliance that is visible only to the initiated despite the real world results.

0 points
0
0
Green Bay Shareholder's picture

December 30, 2025 at 12:16 pm

1000% spot on, now I know I am not alone. At some point I thought I was seeing mirages of Lombardi Trophies that I knew weren't being held up at the end of the season. I know we savor the Youngest Team Trophy annually but 2 Lombardis since 1968 is not really aspirational achievement.

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

December 30, 2025 at 12:18 pm

You hate for MLF is
perfect for a bathroom wall.
Speaking of numbers-
Follow the cap and what your
Qb Love will cost us next year.
Gute isn't TT. Just like MLF isn't Lombardi.
But the thing Lombardi hated was hate.
Interfering in a job will always leave it unfinished.

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

December 30, 2025 at 12:27 pm

Everybody hates, or dislikes to a degree, something. Lombardi disliked/hated failure, or what failure was to him. If he didn't, he wouldn't have succeeded because the Sweep would never have become successful.
P.S.
Isn't hating, hate, hating something?

0 points
0
0
LeotisHarris's picture

December 30, 2025 at 03:51 pm

::googles "NewJeans":::

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 30, 2025 at 06:30 pm

I won't tell my daughter...she's a Kpop fanatic.

0 points
0
0
LambeauPlain's picture

December 30, 2025 at 05:46 pm

LaFleur is a progeny of the Football Committee. When you report direct the "the god" (Pres/CEO) you have more cushioned tenure because Murphy could, and I believe did overrule what Gutey wanted over LaFleur's desire to keep his declining security blanket Rodgers.

We will know one day, but I believe Gutey wanted all that Denver Gold they offered for Rodgers before 2022...which turned into his worst season as a Packer.

The Football Committee encourages slow, status quo management decisions. If Policy maintains this, expect more wins in the regular season than losses, and more losses in the playoffs than wins.

My gut tells Ed's new policy will be a return to the successful Wolf model.

0 points
0
0
jlc1's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:35 am

Will you just once, once is all i ask, make a post that is actually more about the Packers than you? Your perpetual grievance act is pathetic and why you get ignored.

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

December 30, 2025 at 12:01 pm

All my posts are about the Packers. It's you and others who don't like the messenger of truth and reality.

0 points
0
0
barutanseijin's picture

December 30, 2025 at 02:43 pm

Not that you’re wrong about the poor lil’ Prophet amongst the Heathens schtick, but the convoluted syntax might have something to do with it, too.

0 points
0
0
Packerpasty's picture

December 30, 2025 at 04:06 pm

two many bigger words here for me to unnerstand

0 points
0
0
LeotisHarris's picture

December 30, 2025 at 07:51 pm

Once you're fluent in Tarynese, it's a lot easier. Best part is she's an original, and stays on brand regardless. Also, at the end of the day she's a Packers fan from way back. Agree or disagree with her, I respect that.

0 points
0
0
egbertsouse's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:45 am

Hey, look on the bright side. MLF has gotten a Participation Trophy every season!

0 points
0
0
packergal's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:23 am

KE, the Packers remain my favorite team since the 60's. However, GB is an average to below average team. In addition, Gutey and Coach MLF are equally average to below average. Sad but true.

0 points
0
0
egbertsouse's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:47 am

I would call them about a B- team. Above average but not great.

0 points
0
0
bjkdad44's picture

December 30, 2025 at 07:40 pm

Just look at number one draft choices… Gary especially!!

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:38 am

"Goff took five sacks of his own and had basically the same QB rating as Brosmer, even though he passed for 200 yards. That's what happens when you throw two picks."

You forgot Goff's three fumbles to go with. The Vikings absolutely beat him up...and he might still be hearing echoes of those footsteps this week.

Even still, prior to that final fumble and 6th TO overall, Detroit was within 3 points 3/4 of the way through the fourth. MN was +6 in TOs and Brosmer was still so lousy--staked to one of the best sets of WR and playing against a weak-ass Lions secondary--that the Vikes needed a late Addison end-around to put the game out of reach.

That means Brosmer will go off for 350 yards and 4 TDs against the Packers this week.

"I might be the only one, but I hope the Vikings cut Jones and he comes back to Green Bay next season. "

Yes, you might.

0 points
0
0
Starrbrite's picture

December 30, 2025 at 02:58 pm

Great post Dobby. Don’t agree on Jones however.

0 points
0
0
bjkdad44's picture

December 30, 2025 at 07:42 pm

My feelings exactly!

0 points
0
0
splitpea1's picture

December 30, 2025 at 11:42 am

49ers/Bears: A very entertaining game if you like lots of offense: I don't, but this was a fun game anyway. The other interesting storyline was obviously the QB battle between the first overall pick and Mr. Irrelevant. I was impressed with dynamic and imaginative nature of both offenses, something that we could use a little more of in Green Bay...The maneuvering Purdy did to complete the TD to Juszczyk was skillful--he had to hold the ball for over 8 seconds before unloading. Lousy dance moves nonwithstanding, Purdy is a pretty good QB.

0 points
0
0
TXCHEESE's picture

December 30, 2025 at 01:45 pm

Agreed on the entertainment value of that game. SF's motion in their offense is really fun to watch. Really thought MLF was bringing that with him when he was hired.

May be time for a change in offensive scheme.

0 points
0
0
Packerpasty's picture

December 30, 2025 at 04:08 pm

I bet lumbering Love could move like that!! Maybe....

0 points
0
0
Brewcity_BearsFan's picture

December 30, 2025 at 01:43 pm

Amazing to me, that the tie against the Cowboys could end up being what keeps Green Bay ahead of Minnesota at season's end.

Kyle Shanahan should be unanimous COTY if the niners win this weekend.

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

December 30, 2025 at 03:27 pm

That tie could keep them from being in a 3 way tie for last place. They could all be 9-8.

0 points
0
0
Starrbrite's picture

December 30, 2025 at 05:05 pm

I dislike (very much) shanahan and his
smarta$$ gm lynch.
Vrabel for coty.

0 points
0
0
tobinrote's picture

December 30, 2025 at 02:30 pm

Vikings problems will be solved when Willis ends up their qb next year, the organization and much of the fan base overvaluing its middle of the pack qb. Willis better arm more mobile, Goff better arm, Williams better arm more mobile. Love inconsistent, some great throws, but seems never to be accurate with what should be routine throws, forcing his receivers to have to make what should be easy catches harder catches.

0 points
0
0
LeotisHarris's picture

December 30, 2025 at 03:42 pm

Nah, tobin, remember when the Vikings' problems were solved when they traded for Herschel Walker? How about when they signed Warren Moon? Or maybe when they signed Randall Cunningham? Brett Favre? Kirk Cousins?

It'll always be wide left, wide right, and oh no did he just throw an int? May the spirits of Teddy Bridgewater and Christian Ponder guide them.

0 points
0
0
Starrbrite's picture

December 30, 2025 at 05:02 pm

Lol—good (very good) Leotis. But I sure hope he doesn’t land in Minnesota.

0 points
0
0
Starrbrite's picture

December 30, 2025 at 02:56 pm

Leatherhead and I frequently posted that the Lions would take a tumble, although I didn’t believe it would be to the bottom-not sad for them.
I loved Aaron Jones, except for the critical fumbles at critical moments. No on him returning.
If we lose to Brosmer, the entire Packer nation should be embarrassed. Besides, I voted with Since’61 that Love should play the first half. Or unless Willis is hurt, he should be playing.
I’ve previously mentioned that I’m very confident about beating the bears—if they’re our playoff matchup? Not sure about winning any other matchups?
Anyone but the Broncos winning the SB.
Go Packers!!!

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 30, 2025 at 04:12 pm

I agree: if he's cleared, they need to get the cobwebs out on Love. I think most of the starters should play at least a quarter, but the roster is only so deep so some starters will need to rotate back in a lot more.

Brian Flores is auditioning for HC jobs and, with his track record with the league, he needs to be lights out to get his foot in the door. I think they'll be charging hard on Sunday.

0 points
0
0
Starrbrite's picture

December 30, 2025 at 04:58 pm

Excellent Dobby—couldn’t agree more. You Always provide great commentary.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 30, 2025 at 04:23 pm

Trevon Diggs being cut by Dallas. Given Hadden's and Hobbs' injury statuses, he might be a no-brainer claim for the playoffs.

0 points
0
0
Starrbrite's picture

December 30, 2025 at 05:00 pm

I saw that too; wondering the same as you. I think I saw he would cost .5mil for the remainder.

0 points
0
0
Packerpasty's picture

December 30, 2025 at 05:41 pm

nothing but trouble..

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

December 30, 2025 at 06:37 pm

A playoff team will claim him and likely cut him right after their season ends. He's headed for the open market and either he's washed or he'll try to put something on film to get a new deal.

He's got a lot riding on looking good. I don't think there's a lot of risk here.

0 points
0
0
WorseWisconsin's picture

December 30, 2025 at 06:26 pm

"You'll never guess what Ausitn [sic] Booker did on a sack attempt."

That is as clean a tackle as you can make in the NFL. Booker's head was to the side, he tackled Purdy and Booker landed on the ground away from Purdy. Booker didn't really even wrap up Purdy as part of the tackle.

You people are grasping and spiraling.

0 points
0
0
pantz_bURp's picture

December 30, 2025 at 07:10 pm

I will give you this Worse. He was before my time, but always loved footage of Gale Sayers and then Sweetness running through defenses. I think I read somewhere that Sayers scored 6 TDs in a game.

Now, there is no way da Pack have a chance against your mighty Bears, is there?

[I am ever so slowly reeling the crankbait through some succulent lilypads....ever so slowly you see...]

Pantz in a 3 point Stanz

0 points
0
0
SwedeBayPacker's picture

December 30, 2025 at 06:38 pm

So it's confirmed, Austin Booker is a dirty POS.

0 points
0
0
pantz_bURp's picture

December 30, 2025 at 07:00 pm

Yes poor, poor Vikings.

I was in a lawn bowling league. The stones (or bowls) that you would roll have a heavy side and a light side. I was thinking that I should custom order a set. The Heavy side would be green with a gold stripe and the light side would be purple with a white stripe. This would be in commemoration of the 4 Packer Super Bowl wins and the 4 Vikings Super Bowl losses. I didn't end up following through because I didn't have the heart to cause their fans any more pain.

Hey, what does a stolen vehicle and the Vikings have in common?

No title...

Skol this,

Pantz B. Draggin'

0 points
0
0
bjkdad44's picture

December 30, 2025 at 07:29 pm

“I might be the only one, but I hope the Vikings cut Jones and he comes back to Green Bay next season. “…not if he’s no good… or not if he isn’t better than Josh!!

0 points
0
0
Snap the ball's picture

December 30, 2025 at 10:46 pm

Booker like Barr make a name take for himself for a contract and then disappear with bad football.

0 points
0
0
Snap the ball's picture

December 30, 2025 at 10:48 pm

Aaron Jones misses Green Bay.

0 points
0
0
Snap the ball's picture

December 30, 2025 at 10:51 pm

Why didn’t we hire Al Harris.

Waiting for a reason or explanation.

.

0 points
0
0
Snap the ball's picture

December 30, 2025 at 10:57 pm

No more 5-3 at home on the odd years

0 points
0
0
Packerpasty's picture

December 31, 2025 at 11:33 am

that for sure can't happen anymore at Lambeau...have to own the home...sucks I always choose the wrong game to go watch at Lambeau...happened too many times now in the last few years....time to take it back..

0 points
0
0