Tuesday open thread: Who will win the NFC North?

We’re five weeks into the 2018 NFL season, and I don’t think any team in the NFC North is where their fans expected them to be. The Packers, Vikings and Lions are all performing below expectations, as none of the three teams have winning records thus far. The Chicago Bears are surprisingly 3-1, but they haven’t beaten a good team yet (if there is such a thing as a “good team” right now), and they’re 0-1 in the division.

The Bears may have a slight lead in the NFC North right now, but all four teams are certainly in the mix right now, and the Bears, Lions and Vikings all still have five division games left (the Packers, oddly, only have three left after playing all three teams thus far).

So with the Lions heading into the bye at 2-3, it’s time to reflect on the division. Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which team will win the NFC North?

My answer: My body and mind are both physically rejecting the idea of the Bears winning the division. I just don’t believe enough in Mitchell Trubisky right now, even though that defense is likely capable of carrying a quarterback of that caliber.

The Packers may get better as they get healthier on offense, but I don’t think their defense is all that good still, and Aaron Rodgers is still obviously limited.

That leaves me with the Lions and Vikings, and Detroit is just way too flawed on defense to compete consistently week-to-week. Minnesota is plenty flawed, with an offensive line seriously struggling and a defense underwhelming. However, the talent on defense is just too good to be playing as they have thus far. I think they’ll get it turned around, and they have too many weapons on offense to struggle forever.

I still think Minnesota has the best overall roster in the division, and I think at some point they pull it all together. That all being said, I think all four of these teams could realistically be in contention come December.

Your turn.