MINNEAPOLIS — Eleven weeks into the season, the Bears are in sole possession of first place in the NFC North.
Their 19-17 win against the Vikings on Sunday, coupled with the Lions’ “Sunday Night Football” loss to the Eagles and the Packers’ win against the Giants, means they stand alone atop their division. The Packers are 6-3-1, the Lions are 6-4 and the Vikings are 4-6.
The Bears last finished the season in first place in the NFC North in 2018. Since then, the Packers have won the division three times, the Lions twice and the Vikings once.
After the Sunday afternoon win, Bears coach Ben Johnson was asked about the Bears’ current spot in the NFC North.
“Guys, we’re midseason right now,” he said. “So we’re not even looking at that. We’ve earned seven wins so far and we’re really looking for the opportunity to go 1-0 next week.”
The Bears host the Steelers — with or without quarterback Aaron Rodgers — on Sunday.