Three weeks into the NFL season and the Packers are a somewhat surprising 3-0 and the top of the NFC North. This generally hard-fought division is extremely competitive again so far this season. Every other team is above .500 and playing well.
The Lions are a quarter away from starting off 3-0. They held a substantial lead in the opener against the Cardinals before allowing 18th in the fourth. Both teams got a field goal in overtime and their season began with a 27-27 tie. In week two, Detroit struggled on offense much of the day against the Chargers. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was intercepted twice but overcame mistakes with a big touchdown pass in the middle of the fourth. An interception by the Lions Darius Slay in the end zone with just over a minute left sealed a 13-10 win.
Not many people saw this great start for the Lions. Anyone that took that bet before the season was brave to do so. Those who are interested to place bets for their favorite team should go over to PayPal casino list to check which ones are good. Pro Tip: The Lions’ luck will be running out soon.
Last week in Philadelphia, the Lions took advantage of key injuries to the Eagles starting wide receivers, dropped passes and timely plays. An early 100-yard kickoff return by Jamal Agnew set the tone for the day. Two late defensive stops secured a 27-24 upset victory. The Lions are off to a 2-0-1 start.
In Minnesota, the Vikings started the season with a bang, scoring the first 28 points of the contest. Atlanta scored 12 points late but the Vikings prevailed, 28-12. Anthony Harris was the key on defense, intercepting to Matt Ryan passes and forcing a fumble. Dalvin Cook ran for two scores and Kirk Cousins delivered a touchdown pass in the victory.
The Vikings lone loss came to the Packers in week two. Green Bay started fast, scoring the first three touchdowns in the opening 16 minutes of play. Minnesota’s tough defense didn’t allow a point the rest of the game. Cook continued his excellent running with a 75-yard touchdown and Stefon Diggs scored on a 45-yard pass in the third. Minnesota lost the game at Lambeau Field by a 31-16 score.
Getting back on track at home against the Raiders, the Vikings scored first and led 21-7 at the half. They increased the lead to 21 in the third and cruised to a 34-14 win. Cook again found the end zone and finished with 111 yards on 16 carries. Cousins completed 15-of-21 with a touchdown in the victory. The Vikings sit at 2-1 for the season.
The Bears opened at home against the Packers in a typical black and blue division contest. Both defenses dominated. The Bears held the Packers to only 213 yards of total offense. However, the Bears offense struggled, particularly on the ground, gaining only 46 yards on 15 carries. The lone touchdown was Aaron Rodgers pass to Jimmy Graham. The Bears dropped to 0-1 with a 10-3 loss.
In another defensive struggle against the Broncos in week two, the Bears held a 13-3 lead after three. Two touchdowns and a field goal by Denver in the final quarter put the Bears in danger of dropping to 0-2 on the season and an early hole. Trailing by one with only 31 seconds to play, the Bears marched 40 yards in six plays, setting up the game-winning field goal by Eddy Piniero from 53 yards out. The Bears survived to go to 1-1.
Chicago had a much easier time disposing of the lowly Redskins in week three. They jumped off to a 28-3 lead at the half and never looked back, winning 31-15. The defense intercepted Case Keenum three times and recorded four sacks and three forced fumbles. Mitch Trubisky threw for three touchdowns in his better outing of the year. The Bears improved to 2-1.
Although still early, the NFC North appears to be the strongest and most balanced in the NFL. If this play continues, it will be an exciting season until the end in one of the most historic divisions in the NFL. At this point, the NFC North is 7-0-1 against the rest of the league.
Good synopsis. One error though was saying “Minnesota lost the game at Lambeau Field by a 31-16 score.” It was 21-16. I’m assuming that was an honest error, one number for another, and not wishful thinking or whatever. You could have also pointed out the missed FG, missed EP, that the refs outright stole 4 points from the Vikings and then again stole a red zone TD into an interception, as well as a number of phantasm offensive pass interference on the Vikings as well as Holding calls called on Vikings for lesser contact that Packers fouls not called. You could have included that but understand why you did not.
I’d say the Packers being 3-0 is somewhat surprising but only by one. I did think the Bears would win Game 1. The NFL schedule makers have really set up the Packers for success, especially early. There is a history here that indicates absolute conscious intention by the NFL to help the Packers.
First, why do they do it? Money. $. Packers are popular with the second most bandwagon jumpers after the Cowboys. They do well and the NFL does well and sells more tickets and more merchandise.
Second, can I show this favoritism factually? So glad you asked! The answer is “Yes, I can”. Thursday night home games are a HUGE advantage. Almost all of the Packers Thursday games are in Green Bay. 4 of the last 5. I don’t think any other team has had as much gift schedule as the Packers. Next, Packers never have to go to London and, once this year is complete,will be the only team who hasn’t. When and if they ever are forced to go the NFL doubtless will make sure that London game is an away game and not a “home” game. That trip is wear and tear big time and a potential loss of home field advantage.
Next, the NFL clearly observed the Packers do great at home in September. Bam, last several years they packed home games in September in to the Packers schedule. This Thursday will be the third consecutive September home game for the Packers! They are, what, 14-0-1 in them? Only Kirk Cousins and the Vikings have been able to defy their September perfection. This year, 3 out of 4 September games are at home. Last year? 3 out of 4. In 2017? 3 out of 4 !!!!!
The game in Chicago had to happen. Scheduling rules! The NFL could not get around it. Still, what could they do? A lot and they did it. They made it the first game of the year so, as Rob Born has pointed out, the Packers would have an advantage with the unknown of a new offense. More than that, they made it on an extra Thursday. But that is a good thing when it is the first game of the year. No short prep time, home or away no matter. What it does do is give 3 extra days to heal, rest, and prepare for the next opponent… right there at home… the dreaded Vikings… so as to give the biggest possible scheduling advantage to the Packers to also win that game…..
The NFL set up the Packers for an expected 3-1 or 4-0 start. Anything less would have been bizarre and incredible.
I look forward to seeing the Packers have a year with only one September home game, a Thursday away game, and a “home” game in London. If it happens then I’ll be persuaded the NFL’s favoritism to the Packers had finally been set aside (discontinued, not that it did not exist — I just proved it). But, don’t worry, it won’t happen!
$$$$$$
I have read about 20 articles about how the Packers defense is super awesome. So I think this week they give up 35 points.