NFL9 Nov 20262 minute read

NFC North Makes History With Unstoppable First Half Record

The NFC North is off to a historic 25-8 start this season, dominating opponents both inside and outside the division.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

A Historic Sunday for the Division

Sunday delivered three more victories for the NFC North. The Detroit Lions picked up a 19-9 road win against the Miami Dolphins. The Green Bay Packers put on an offensive show in Foxborough, topping the New England Patriots 45-27. Chicago also earned a win despite five turnovers, kicking a game winning field goal to top the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-24.

These results pushed the division to a combined 25-8 record heading into Monday night. That gives the group a .757 winning percentage, which is the best mark for any division through nine weeks since the 1970 merger.

Dominating Non Division Opponents

The division is doing most of its damage against outside opponents. The Bears, Lions, Packers, and Vikings have combined for an 18-3 record outside their division. Five of the eight total losses for these teams came in games played against each other. Detroit lost to the Bills and Panthers, while Green Bay lost to the Falcons.

When playing teams outside the North, these four clubs are winning by more than a touchdown per game on average. They are also averaging nearly 28 points per game in those matchups. Even if Minnesota loses to Buffalo on Monday night, the North will still hold the best nine week win percentage in Super Bowl era history.

Past History and Playoff Outlook

Only a few divisions in history have produced starts like this one. The 2022 NFC East started 24-9 through nine weeks and sent three teams to the postseason, with Philadelphia reaching the Super Bowl. The 1984 AFC West went 21-4 outside its division early on, though its top teams struggled once the playoffs arrived.

All four NFC North teams currently occupy playoff spots. Time will tell if this tough competition helps the eventual division champion or wears the teams down before January.

What it means for the next game

Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings (NFL, Tue, 10 Nov): Minnesota Vikings win 39%, Buffalo Bills win 61%; projected score Minnesota Vikings 21, Buffalo Bills 23. Our safest pick: Vikings +10.

New England Patriots at Detroit Lions (NFL, Sun, 15 Nov): Detroit Lions win 52%, New England Patriots win 48%; projected score Detroit Lions 26, New England Patriots 23. Our safest pick: Under 58.5 points.