The Detroit Lions maintained their superiority at the top of the North Division of the National on Sunday, but the Minnesota Vikings survived in overtime to keep the pressure on them, in second place.
The Vikings (9-2) let a 24-10 lead slip away, but their offensive sequence that put John Parker Romo in position to make a game-winning 29-yard field goal in overtime allowed them to triumph 30-27 and string together four wins in a row for the second time this season.
Quarterback Sam Darnold threw two touchdown passes to Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor, completing 22 of 34 passes for 330 yards.
On the other side, the Bears (4-7) suffered a fifth loss in a row despite a strong comeback in the last quarter. In the loss, quarterback Caleb Williams set an organization record for passing yards as a rookie, breaking the mark of 2,193 yards held by Mitch Trubisky since 2017.
After shooting itself in the foot more than once on turnovers and a blocked punt in particular, causing a large deficit, Chicago still never gave up to the encouragement of its supporters.
Caleb Williams connected with DJ Moore for his fourth touchdown of the season and the Bears cut the lead to 24-16 after missing the two-point convert.
Keenan Allen added a touchdown and Moore this time converted to get within 3 points, before seeing Cairo Santos force overtime with a 48-yard precision kick.
No one thought they would see such a rise.
DeAndre Carter was particularly angry in the third quarter after opening the door for the Vikings on a missed punt return that Bo Richter recovered. Five plays later, Aaron Jones scored his third rushing touchdown of the season by weaving his way into the end zone through a gap on the right side and the Vikings increased the lead to 24-10.
In the first quarter, Roschon Johnson scored the first touchdown of the game at home for the Bears.
The Vikings tied the game 7-7 early in the second quarter during a sequence where Sam Darnold handed the ball twice to Jordan Addison. Addison caught the first 45 yards to the 2 line, then completed the job for the touchdown.
The Bears once again experienced a nightmare after another blocked field goal, like the one that cost them the victory against the Packers in the final seconds last week. This time, Jerry Tillery blocked a 48-yard punt that was recovered by Brian Asamoah II in the second quarter.
Jalen Nailor then caught a touchdown pass to give Minnesota a 14-6 lead with 6:29 left in the half.
Cairo Santos closed the gap with a 49-yard field goal, but the Bears were then completely handcuffed in the second half before exploding in the fourth quarter.
Minnesota lost linebacker Ivan Pace (hamstring) and left tackle Cam Robinson (foot) in the first half.
No problem for the Lions
The Lions (10-1) had no difficulty in defeating the Colts (5-7) by a score of 24-6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
They have won nine in a row and remain on course in their goal of securing a first-round playoff bye in addition to home-court advantage.
They have also scored at least three touchdowns in nine straight games, the second-longest streak in their history in a season.
All three were scored on the ground, two by Jahmyr Gibbs and the other by David Montgomery. The latter, however, is worrying since he injured his shoulder while making a catch during a touchdown sequence in the third quarter. He returned along the sidelines, but did not play again.
The Lions were shut out in the first quarter for the fifth time this season, but then unblocked themselves. Jahmyr Gibbs scored a 1-yard touchdown to lead 7-3 in the second quarter, which is the team’s most dominant this year.
On third down and long into Colts territory, Montgomery rushed 13 yards to the 6-yard line. Two plays later, he cut left to reach the end zone, scoring his 24th rushing touchdown in 25 meetings.
The Colts were held to two field goals in the first half to trail 14-6 at halftime.
In the second half, Gibbs came back with a touchdown after Montgomery saved a loose ball when quarterback Jared Goff was hit while throwing.
The Lions’ excellent defense forced three more punts, after seven straight incomplete passes from Anthony Richardson.
Jake Bates put even more distance between the two teams with a 56-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, so much so that he remained perfect in 16 attempts this season.
