NFC North Week 5 predictions: Lions look to increase division lead while others play catchup

In Week 5, the Lions and Vikings look to build off wins, while the Packers and Bears look to turn things around. Here are Week 5's predictions for the NFC North: 

Chicago Bears (0-4) at Washington Commanders (2-2)

It's hard to categorize a "Thursday Night Football" contest in Week 5 as a must-win, but it might be for Bears head coach Matt Eberflus. Not only are the Bears still searching for their first win of 2023, but they haven't tasted victory since Week 7 of last season. NBC Sport's Peter King hinted this week that if the Bears fall to 0-5, Eberflus could be on his way out. 

"You can not lose 14 games in a row and think you should hold onto your job," King told 670 The Score. 

Albeit in a loss to the Denver Broncos, Bears quarterback Justin Fields had a standout performance in Week 4 (28-of-35 for 335 yards and four touchdowns), and he'll have a chance at repeating that feat versus the Commanders's 29th-ranked defense. Conversely, Commanders QB Sam Howell had his most accurate outing of the season, completing 70% of his passes against a much better Philadelphia Eagles defense. He should have no issues carving up the Bears unit ranked 31st in the NFL. 

PREDICTION: Commanders 35, Bears 28 

Carolina Panthers (0-4) at Detroit Lions (3-1) 

Coming off an impressive victory on the road at Lambeau Field over the rival Green Bay Packers, the Lions return home, leading the NFC North with a great chance at improving to 4-1, hosting the winless Panthers. 

While still rebuilding, Carolina won't be a pushover, with two of their four losses coming by a combined 11 points. However, talent should win out in this one, and the Lions will be getting some back. 

Electric wideout Jameson Williams returned to practice after recovering from an ACL injury and serving a four-game ban from the NFL for gambling. Meanwhile, banged-up offensive linemen Taylor Decker and Halapoulivaati Vaitai are on pace to play, reuniting the starting group. 

In 2022, the Lions allowed 320 rushing yards in a one-sided 37-23 blowout loss to the Panthers. The Lions enter this matchup boasting the league's no. 1 ranked rush defense (60.8 ypg) and fourth-ranked overall (280.5 ypg). Chances are the score will reveal that difference this time around. 

PREDICTION: Lions 30, Panthers 17 

Kansas City Chiefs (3-1) at Minnesota Vikings (1-3)

After finally earning their first victory of the season in Week 4 vs. the Panthers, the Vikings look to make it two in a row against the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who they'll take on for the first time in his career. However, he might be in an ornery mood. 

Mahomes is coming off one of his worst games as a pro, throwing for only 203 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in a close 23-20 win over the New York Jets, and may be looking to take it out on a leaky Vikings defense. 

Through four weeks, only the Bears (115.9) and Denver Broncos (133.4) have allowed a higher passer rating than the Vikings (111.1) to opposing QBs, making them ripe for the picking. 

The Mahomes-led Chiefs may look like a very ordinary 3-1, having yet to play up to the standard reached during their Super Bowl run in 2022. However, Sunday will be a get-right game for Mahomes and the Chiefs. 

PREDICTION: Chiefs 34, Vikings 17

Green Bay Packers (2-2) at Las Vegas Raiders (1-3)

The Packers travel to take on the Raiders on "Monday Night Football," looking to bounce back from a rough loss in Week 4 to the rival Lions. They'll need to play better in front of QB Jordan Love to do so.

After giving up five sacks a week ago, the Packers will have to find a way to protect Love better without injured offensive linemen David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins. Meanwhile, they'll have to get the ground game going against a Raiders defense ranked 26th against the run. 

Last week, in his return from injury, running back Aaron Jones wasn't that involved, carrying the ball five times for 18 yards, and that will have to change against the Raiders.  

The Packers aren't playing spotless football and have their fair share of injuries heading into Week 5. Still, they are facing off against a Raiders team ranked near the bottom in points scored (15.5, 25th) and points allowed (25.3, 24th) that sports the worst takeaway differential in the NFL (-9), so the Packers will find a way to leave Sin City with a win. 

PREDICTION: Packers 28, Raiders 10