The Detroit Lions woke up to a pleasant surprise on Tuesday morning thanks to an ugly loss by the Green Bay Packers. Due to the tie the Packers had with the Dallas Cowboys this season, an additional loss shook up the NFC North standings in a big way, pushing the Lions into first place. While the Bears are tied with the Lions atop the standings, Detroit holds the tiebreaker, giving the team sole possession of first.
For the Packers, it was a demotion to third after an ugly 10-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It is hard to imagine the week playing out any better for the Lions as they prepare for their own showdown with the Eagles. One that will now have major implications in the NFC's race for the number one seed, with the stage being set for the Lions to grab control of the conference.
All of this was set up by one ugly home loss for the hated division rival. This has been typical of the Packers this season, with ugly losses to the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns sending clear warning signs that Green Bay isn't a team that stays consistently locked in. Opening the door for the Lions to begin a run not only to take control of the NFC North, but the conference itself.
Lions Now Sit Atop the NFC North Thanks to Ugly Green Bay Packers Loss
Green Bay, sitting third in the division, finds itself in a familiar position for a franchise that spent most of the 2024 season chasing the Minnesota Vikings and Lions, who would finish with the NFC's best records. While the Vikings have fallen far from last year's dominance, the Lions are once again the class of the division. This is perfectly timed with head coach Dan Campbell taking over play-calling and Detroit coming off a dominant 44-22 win.
For Lions fans, it feels as if the franchise is finally returning to its expected role after early-season questions. This looks like the team that dominated the bulk of last season and is once again sitting where they belong, atop the NFC North.
Looking at the rest of the division, it is hard to fear the Chicago Bears or Packers based on how Detroit's roster is built. Already, the Lions hold the tiebreaker over the Bears and will get a chance to even the score with Green Bay in a Nov. 27 matchup.
Regardless, it is a great week to be a Lions fan as the NFC North leader owns the division's best roster and remains a clear Super Bowl contender. One that was given a boost by an Eagles team that will now have the full attention of the Lions in what will be a pivotal Week 11 showdown on Sunday Night Football.