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Detroit Lions banking on secondary boost — NFC North roundup
No NFC North teams played yesterday, but the Lions are eyeing a defensive boost while the Bears prepare for a pivotal Thursday night matchup.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
There were no games yesterday in the NFC North, but it was still a meaningful news day, highlighted by encouraging signs for the Detroit Lions’ secondary and growing focus on the Chicago Bears’ upcoming Thursday night test.
Lions hoping for a defensive turnaround
CBS Sports reports that the Lions expect safety Kerby Joseph to be able to play in 2026, with Brian Branch nearing a return as well. At 3‑2, Detroit is banking on the reunion of its safety tandem to spark a defensive turnaround, with CBS Sports even framing the situation as a potential defensive renaissance if the group can stay healthy.
In a division led by the 5‑0 Minnesota Vikings, with the Green Bay Packers and Bears both sitting at 4‑2, the Lions have little room for error. Any step forward on defense could be crucial in keeping pace in the NFC North race.
Bears’ defense gets a key piece back
In a separate Week 6 recap, CBS Sports notes that the Chicago Bears’ defense is getting a weapon back. While the piece doesn’t spell out the details in the headline, the timing is significant for Chicago as it prepares for a prime‑time Thursday matchup and tries to build on a strong 4‑2 start.
Predictions for that game are split within CBS Sports. Pete Prisco is calling for the New England Patriots to upset the Bears, while John Breech, in a different picks column, has Chicago edging New England in what he bills as a Thursday night thriller. The disagreement underscores how hard it still is to pin down exactly where the Bears stand in the conference hierarchy.
Tight Lions‑Packers clash on tap
Prisco also projects a tight divisional showdown between the Lions and Packers, giving a slight edge to Detroit. With Green Bay at 4‑2 and Detroit at 3‑2, such a result would tighten the race behind Minnesota even further. There were no notable updates out of Green Bay or Minnesota in the last 24 hours, as the Vikings quietly remain in control of the division at 5‑0.