By Louis Friedl 
The NFC North saw dominant performances by Minnesota and Chicago. Both offenses finished week three with convincing victories. Green Bay’s loss to Cleveland was shocking as its offense did not click throughout the game. Here are the offensive, defensive, and overall grades for week three in the NFC North.
Chicago Bears Offensive Grade: A-
Chicago’s passing game was on display. Caleb Williams had one of the best games of his career, completing 19/28 passes for 298 yards and four touchdowns. The offensive line protected their quarterback, surrendering zero sacks. The one blemish was the inability to have success in the ground game.
Chicago Bears Defensive Grade: B-
The defense caused four turnovers – three interceptions and one fumble recovery. They pressured Dak Prescott throughout the game and showed signs of life. However, Chicago’s defense still had issues stopping the run. Dallas finished the game with 121 rushing yards (6.1 average).
Chicago Bears Overall Grade: B-
Chicago played its best game of the season, even if it was against Dallas. Ben Johnson’s offense showed what it is capable of, and the defense was responsible for four Cowboys turnovers. The best takeaway was Chicago’s offensive line protecting Caleb Williams, and the one negative was the efficiency of Dallas’ rushing attack.
Detroit Lions Offensive Grade: A
Detroit dominated Baltimore on the ground. The team rushed for over 220 yards, averaging six yards per carry. The Lions’ running game allowed Jared Goff to complete 20 of 28 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown.
Detroit Lions Defensive Grade: A
Detroit had its way with Baltimore’s offensive line, sacking Lamar Jackson seven times. The defense’s ability to apply pressure kept Baltimore off kilter throughout the game. Week two, Detroit’s offense dominated, but week three was Detroit’s defense that made headlines.
Detroit Lions Overall Grade: A
Detroit dominated the ground game and defensively. The rushing attack had the league’s best game early in the 2025 season, averaging six yards per carry. The defense accounted for seven sacks, two forced fumbles (one recovered), and six tackles for loss.
Green Bay Packers Offensive Grade: C-
Jordan Love was inefficient, and the ground game was nonexistent. Love finished the game with 183 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The story of the day was Green Bay’s offensive line. Penalties hindered their progression, and the line surrendered five sacks. The offense needs improvement as the season progresses.
Green Bay Packers Defensive Grade: B
Green Bay’s defense continues to lead the team. They are light years ahead of the offense and have been the reason for the team’s early success. The one glaring issue was stopping Cleveland’s ground attack. Green Bay surrendered 96 yards (5.1 average) and one touchdown. Still, the Packers will have one of the league’s best defenses throughout the season.
Green Bay Packers Overall Grade: C
The team’s defense kept them in the game, but the offense couldn’t put points on the scoreboard. After two weeks, Green Bay looked like the top team in the NFL, but week three showed they have room for improvement. It should be expected for head coach Matt LeFleur to have the offense start hot during their next game.
Minnesota Vikings Offensive Grade: A
Minnesota had success in the air and on the ground. Carson Wentz passed for 173 yards and two touchdowns, and Jordan Mason finished with 116 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Vikings had a balanced attack against Cincinnati’s defense.
Minnesota Vikings Defensive Grade: A
Minnesota’s defense was stout against the pass and run. They allowed 140 passing yards, one touchdown, and 53 rushing yards. The defense’s ability to force five turnovers was key in their 48-10 win.
Minnesota Vikings Overall Grade: A
Minnesota had its way with Cincinnati. The offense was efficient, and the defense forced five turnovers. Cincinnati was without quarterback Joe Burrow, but Minnesota’s dominant performance did not go unnoticed.
Angel Atienza-Romero