The NFC North has completed the first seven weeks of the 2025 season. Week 7 saw outstanding play by a handful of players, and a handful of teams struggled in certain aspects of the game. Still, there are noticeable progressions throughout the division, and now is the time for teams to iron out deficiencies that still show in their gameplay. Here is a look at Week 7 team report cards in the NFC North.
Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams throws pass against Bengals
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass in the first quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 2 game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in downtown Chicago on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. The Bears led 10-3 at halftime. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
Offensive Grade: B
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Chicago’s passing game was mediocre in week seven. Caleb Williams completed 15 of 26 passes for 172 yards and one interception. This is directly correlated to Chicago’s domination on the ground. The Bears accumulated 222 rushing yards on 40 attempts (5.6 average) and found the end zone twice. New Orleans could not stop Chicago’s rushing attack throughout the game.
Defensive Grade: A
Chicago made Sunday’s game a nightmare for New Orleans quarterback Spencer Rattler. The Bears finished with seven QB hits, four sacks, three interceptions, and recovered their only forced fumble. The defense didn’t stop there, they were stout against the run, surrendering a minute 2.6 yards per carry on 17 attempts. Chicago’s defense is 1st in the NFL in turnover ratio, and Sunday’s dominant performance added to its NFL lead.
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Overall Grade: B+
Chicago had a dominant performance in week seven. The Bears’ defense was relentless, and the offense had its way on the ground. Chicago’s defense has found a way to create turnovers throughout the season and have found a way to prevent opposing teams from having success in the running game. The offense is still a work in progress, but continues to make strides in the right direction.
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Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff makes a pass against Tennessee Titans during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit
The Lions will play one of their three outdoor games today | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Offensive Grade: B+
Detroit dominated Tampa Bay through the air and on the ground. Quarterback Jared Goff was efficient, passing for 242 yards and one touchdown. His only blemish was one interception. The story of the game was running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs rushed for more than 130 yards, had three catches for 82 yards, and found the end zone twice.
Defensive Grade: A-
Detroit was equally dominant defensively. The defense held Tampa Bay to 228 passing yards and 41 rushing yards. They accounted for eight QB hits, four sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble recovery. Monday night’s game was Detroit’s best defensive showing of the season.
Overall Grade: A
Detroit dominated Monday night’s game on both sides of the ball. They held Tampa Bay to 228 passing yards and 41 rushing yards on 12 carries (3.4 average). Jahmyr Gibbs was the standout performer, accounting for 136 rushing yards, 82 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. To date, this was Detroit’s most dominant performance of the 2025 season.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs rushes against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC playoffs
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes the ball against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean (33) during the second half in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Offensive Grade: B-
Green Bay had to play catch-up after its offense struggled throughout the game. Arizona was tough against the pass, allowing 172 yards and one touchdown in the air. The Packers had success running the ball efficiently. They finished the game with 23 carries, 94 yards (4.1 average), and two touchdowns. Josh Jacobs was responsible for Green Bay’s two rushing touchdowns and increased his season total to eight.
Defensive Grade: B
Green Bay’s pass rush was relentless, even with Arizona quarterback Jacoby Brissett finishing with 279 passing yards and two touchdowns. The Packers racked up 12 QB hits, six sacks, and recovered a forced fumble. The defense was satisfactory against the run, holding Arizona to 94 yards on 28 carries. As relentless as the Packers’ pass rush was, credit must be given to veteran Jacoby Brissett’s ability to have success while under pressure throughout the game.
Overall Grade: B-
Green Bay didn’t execute well and could have lost the game. However, the defense put constant pressure on Arizona’s quarterback, and the team left the desert with a victory. The Packers’ defense continues to be ahead of the offense and gives the team breathing room as the offense continues to find their groove.
Minnesota Vikings
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws downfield Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Offensive Grade: B-
Sunday’s game was close, but Minnesota’s offense was unable to secure multiple trips into the end zone. The Vikings trailed most of the game, and the offense relied on the pass. Quarterback Carson Wentz finished the game 26 of 42, with 313 yards and two interceptions. Philadelphia made it a point to prevent Justin Jefferson from beating them in the air, and its defense had success keeping Minnesota out of the end zone. The Vikings only touchdown came from running back Jordan Mason.
Defensive Grade: C+
Minnesota was tough against the run but failed to prevent Philadelphia from succeeding in the passing game. The Vikings surrendered 326 passing yards and three touchdowns. Minnesota’s biggest downfall was their inability to force a turnover.
Overall Grade: B-
Playing from behind, Minnesota was forced to become one-dimensional on offense. Quarterback Carson Wentz was forced to pass 42 times and did not have a passing touchdown. Oppositely, the defense was stout against the run, but Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts torched the Vikings in the air. Minnesota has work to do on offense, and hope the return of quarterback J.J. McCarthy will give the offense another level due to his mobility.