NFC North standings: Lions all alone at the top

It's hard to believe, but we're already one quarter of the way through the 2014 season. This may also be hard to believe, but the Detroit Lions are all alone in first place in the NFC North through four weeks:

1. Detroit Lions (3-1)
t-2. Green Bay Packers (2-2)
t-2. Chicago Bears (2-2)
t-2. Minnesota Vikings (2-2)

The Lions moved into sole possession of first place with a 24-17 win over the New York Jets and with the Bears losing to the Packers by a score of 38-17. The Packers rebounded quite nicely from their ugly showing in Detroit last week, and now they have the same record as the Bears.

Interestingly enough, the Lions' only divisional game in the foreseeable future is in Week 6 at the Vikings. After that, the Lions won't play another game against an NFC North opponent until the Bears come to town on Thanksgiving. After that, the Lions will finish the season with three straight divisional games (Vikings at home, Bears on the road and Packers on the road).

Next week, there is one game between NFC North teams. The Packers will host the Vikings on Thursday night. On Sunday, meanwhile, the Bears will have to go on the road to take on the Carolina Panthers, and the Lions will host the Buffalo Bills.