The 2025 season is nearly halfway complete. Detroit and Green Bay are starting to resemble highly successful playoff producers, but Chicago and Minnesota are still working to fix major issues on both sides of the ball. If the season ended today, the Lions and Packers would be the only NFC North teams in the playoffs. There is still a lot of football left, and teams will start leap-frogging opponents in the standings. As the season enters week nine, Chicago heads to Cincinnati, Minnesota and Detroit gear up for an NFC North battle, and Green Bay hosts Carolina. Here are bold predictions for Week 9.
Chicago Bears
Williams was sacked nine times in Chicago's loss to the New England Patriots
Nov 10, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to pass against the New England Patriots during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images | Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Caleb Williams Has Success in the Air
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Caleb Williams has failed to throw a touchdown pass in two consecutive games, but faces the NFL’s worst pass defense on Sunday. Williams bounces back against Cincinnati, throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns. His longest completion goes to Rome Odunze for 60 yards and a score.
D’Andre Swift Gets Back on Track
Swift had two consecutive weeks with 100+ rushing yards before Baltimore shut the running back down in week eight. The Bears’ running back meets the league’s worst run defense on Sunday, bouncing back with 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He reaches the totals before the fourth quarter.
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Minnesota Vikings
Oct 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Minnesota’s Offense Struggles Against Detroit
Minnesota has struggled in both passing and rushing. Unfortunately, this continues against Detroit’s defense. The Vikings play from behind throughout the game, see their quarterback picked off two times, while being pressured throughout the game.
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Justin Jefferson Leads Minnesota Receivers
Each week, Justin Jefferson finishes with the most targets among Minnesota’s pass-catchers. He finishes week nine with six catches for 70 yards but again fails to find the end zone. The star wide receiver’s lone touchdown reception came during week one.
Detroit Lions
Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) practices before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jahmyr Gibbs Totals 100 Yards
Gibbs enters week nine, following the team’s BYE, coming off a monster game, finishing with 136 rushing yards, 82 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. He once again leads Detroit’s offense and torches Minnesota. The star running back finishes with 100+ total yards and one touchdown.
Jared Goff Has Another 300-Yard Passing Performance
Goff has one 300-yard passing game this season, but 2+ touchdown passes in four of seven games. He takes advantage of a poor Minnesota defense, posting his second 300-yard passing game while throwing three touchdown passes. By the middle of the fourth quarter, Detroit’s backup quarterback receives snaps under center.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on October 26, 2025.
Josh Jacobs Runs Wild
Jacobs enters the weekend ranked 2nd in rushing touchdowns. He faces an adequate Carolina defense that produces better against the pass. Green Bay sets the tone with its running back, and he finishes with 125 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. In doing so, he reaches double-digit touchdowns for the fourth time in his seven-year career.
Green Bay’s Defense Shines
The Packers’ defense continues to wreak havoc and faces a Panthers team that ranks in the middle of the league in yards per game. Knowing Carolina fares better on the ground, the defensive coordinator implements a game plan that silences the Panthers ground attack early. In doing so, the Panthers rely on the pass, and the Packers cause issues. The defense finishes with three interceptions and four sacks.
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