Week 15 NFC North Roundup: DJ Moore Heats Up, Lions Get a Reality Check, and McCarthy Leans Into His Swagger
DJ Moore Finds the End Zone-Twice
After a quiet couple of weeks, DJ Moore reminded everyone just how dangerous he can be when the ball actually finds his hands. The Bears wideout hauled in two touchdowns in Chicago’s win over the Browns, breaking out of a brief slump where he totaled just three catches for 13 yards over the previous two games.
But according to head coach Ben Johnson, Moore’s impact hasn’t wavered-he’s just finally getting the opportunities.
“He’s been playing this way every week,” Johnson said. “It’s just we haven’t been able to get the ball in his hands. We were able to target him a few more times, and he came through with some big plays for us.”
That’s the thing with playmakers like Moore: sometimes the production comes in waves. And if this is the start of one of those hot stretches, it couldn’t come at a better time for Chicago.
With three games left, the Bears are still fighting to stay relevant, and a surging Moore could be the spark they need. Johnson hinted as much, saying Moore might just be heating up for a strong finish.
Lions Get a Harsh Look at the NFC’s Elite
The Lions ran into a buzzsaw in Week 15, falling to the Rams-the current top seed in the NFC-and it’s a loss that stings beyond the standings. Head coach Dan Campbell didn’t sugarcoat it. This one was meant to hurt.
“It can’t be OK. It should burn at you.
It should eat you up,” Campbell said. “Do not go numb to the losing.”
That’s classic Campbell-raw, emotional, and direct. But it’s also a message with teeth.
The Lions got an up-close look at what the top of the NFC looks like, and right now, they’re not there. That doesn’t mean they can’t get there, but the gap is real.
And now they’ve seen it.
“Now you know what it looks like,” Campbell added. “We’ve got to get better.”
Detroit still controls its destiny with time to regroup, but this loss serves as a measuring stick. If they want to make real noise in January, they’ll need to level up-and fast.
McCarthy’s Touchdown Celebration: A Little Rebellion, A Lot of Confidence
Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy added a rushing touchdown to his resume in Week 15, and he didn’t hold back in the celebration department.
The move? Something he’d been told not to do in practice.
Naturally, that only made him more likely to do it.
“I did it in practice and I was told not to do it,” McCarthy said. “So, just me being who I am, it’s like, ‘Oh, now I’m more enticed to do it.’”
It’s a classic rookie moment-equal parts confidence and youthful defiance. But McCarthy also knows the line he’s walking.
“If it’s that open, obviously just get in the end zone no matter what, and be coachable and do what my coach says.”
That blend of swagger and self-awareness is what makes McCarthy such an intriguing young quarterback. He’s got the tools, the attitude, and the personality to lead, but he’s also learning the ropes. And in Minnesota’s current situation, every snap-and every celebration-matters.
Bottom Line: Week 15 was a reminder that the NFC North is still very much in flux. The Bears may have found their offensive rhythm again with DJ Moore.
The Lions were handed a reality check by a legit contender. And the Vikings are watching their young QB grow up in real time.
With three weeks to go, this division still has plenty of storylines to play out.