The Chicago Bears start the second half of their season in unfamiliar territory – atop the NFC North. I think it’s safe to say that the Bears have exceeded preseason expectations. The offense continues to make strides while Mitch Trubisky is learning Matt Nagy’s system.
The defense, despite missing Khalil Mack for the last handful of games, is rounding into form as playmakers like Eddie Jackson and Roquan Smith emerge. Are there blemishes in all three phases? Of course there are, but there are plenty of blemishes to go around the division.
The Vikings have not been quite as strong as most experts predicted despite Adam Thielen’s career year but with a defense missing one of their best players.