2. Chicago Bears, 7-2
The Chicago Bears are now in first place in the NFC North and are also No. 2 in the NFC Playoff Picture at the moment. The Bears have been a fun team this year but did play a sloppy game on Sunday Night Football against Tampa Bay. Caleb Williams tossed four interceptions and played a flat-out terrible game.
But if we look at the big picture here, the Bears being first in the North at this point is a reflection on how far this team has come. I'd argue that Chicago is the most complete team in the division right now, and Williams probably has the highest ceiling of any QB in the North.
But with all four teams in the playoff race and capable of winning the division, this race could come down to the wire. Where the Bears can gain an advantage is with how explosive their offense can be and the potential ascension of the defense with Jeffery Simmons in the mix.
1. San Francisco 49ers, 7-1
The San Francisco 49ers are one of two 7-1 teams in the NFL and are No. 1 in the NFC Playoff Picture entering Week 10. The 49ers have again been dealing with injuries but continue to win. Brock Purdy has played like an MVP candidate this year and has carried this offense to an extent.
All of the injuries to the pass-catchers would have many QBs see a drop-off in performance, but Purdy elevating his game and an aggressive defense have allowed the 49ers to not skip a beat. We did see the injuries catch up with this team in the Divisional Round of the playoffs last year, but the question of this team making a Super Bowl run isn't a big one - they've made it twice in the Kyle Shanahan era, and the 2026 49ers do feel about as good as those 2019 and 2023 teams.
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