Best free agents, biggest keys to winning

Week 12 in the NFC North features a showdown in Chicago between the Bears and Vikings, with the Lions visiting the storied Colts and Packers in a rematch of last year’s NFC title game against the 49ers at Lambeau Field.

We have gone around the division with ours On SI colleagues to answer two big questions. One, which player has been their team’s best free agent, and two, what is the biggest key to victory on Sunday.

Vikings at Bears, 12 pm CT Sunday

Best Free Agency Addon: There are too many to consider: Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Shaq Griffin, Stephon Gilmore and Aaron Jones have all been excellent, but one name stands out above the rest: Blake Cashman. Was it any wonder Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford shredded the Vikings over the middle of the field when Cashman was out with a turf toe injury? The Vikings have been suffocating on defense with Cashman on the field. He is the underrated defensive MVP in Minnesota.

The key to victory: Win the turnover battle. It’s an obvious truth, but it carries more weight every time Minnesota travels to Soldier Field, where strange things seem to happen to the Vikings. Minneosta can’t think for a second that just because they’ve won four in a row in the Windy City, things will be easy this time around. It’s never easy. The Vikings could have put together the greatest players in franchise history, all in their primes, against the worst players in Chicago history, and the game would still be on the line. That’s just the way it is when these clubs meet in Chicago. -Joe Nelson, Vikings on SI

Bears vs. Vikings, at 12 CT Sunday

Best Free Agent Addon: When the Bears signed free agent safety Kevin Byard to replace Eddie Jackson, CBS Sports called it the worst free agent signing. Byard, 31, proved he still has plenty left after his 2023 season was split between Tennessee and Philadelphia. Pro Football Focus rates Byard as the league’s seventh-best safety, higher than any of the Eagles safeties Philadelphia put in his place when they let him leave in free agency. He quickly became a leader not only in the secondary, but for the entire defense.

Keys to victory: A good blitz scheme for Caleb Williams is critical. A rookie facing the blitz of Brian Flores for the first time can quickly get lost in the sea of ​​rushing bodies. If they have a spot where he can get rid of the football quickly and safely, with hot reads, screens or even just throwing it away, they can stay in the game. Williams has gone 146 straight passes without an interception, and it’s hard to see how that list stays intact after this game given the Vikings’ pressure. – Gene Chamberlain, Bears on SI

Lions at Colts, 12 pm CT Sunday

Best Free Agency Addon: Carlton Davis doesn’t qualify as a trade acquisition, but he has been excellent for the Lions’ secondary. While DJ Reader and Amik Robertson have both been solid additions, the signing of Kevin Zeitler was a super under-the-radar move. Detroit was able to land the prolific veteran on a one-year, $6 million contract, and he has fit right in with the elite offensive line. He has compiled an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 87.8, which ranks fourth in the offense, and has allowed just nine pressures in nine games played.

Keys to victory: Stifle the Colts’ running game. Anthony Richardson is a huge threat with his legs, and the Colts also boast Jonathan Taylor. If the two get going, the Lions will be tested. If Detroit can force Indianapolis into second-and-long situations, the defense should be able to thrive. — John Maakaron, Lions on SI

Packers vs. 49ers, 3:25pm CT Sunday

Best Free Agent Addon: Last season, the Packers’ primary starting safeties were Darnell Savage and Jonathan Ford. Combined, they had zero interceptions and three pass breakups for a defense that ranked at the bottom of the NFL with seven interceptions. In free agency, the Packers signed the best veteran on the market, Xavier McKinney. All McKinney has done is catch six passes, play mostly leak-proof defense and lead a pair of rookie safeties, Javon Bullard and Evan Williams, who get plenty of playing time.

Keys to victory: This will be Christian McCaffrey’s third game back in a row. The All-Pro running back hasn’t really hit his stride yet, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. carry with a long run of 13 yards and only two broken tackles. The Packers need to keep him a secret. Because Green Bay struggled to stop the run last week, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams helped the Bears convert on 9-of-16 third downs. It could be the same formula for the 49ers, with Brock Purdy picking and choosing between Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings and George Kittle. —Bill Huber, Packers at SI