The Chicago Bears increased their winning streak to five games after defeating the Detroit Lions 24-20. Sitting on top of the NFC North for the second consecutive week, the Bears are proving they are the powerhouse of the Midwest.

As for the rest of the division, the Green Bay Packers still sit at one game back and have an easier schedule coming up. The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions can be pushed away from the playoff picture, as their records and upcoming games will not be make it possible for them to make a challenge for the division title this season.

It is hard to remember what the Bears were previewed as in the preseason. The Bears had a humble 0-4 record. But that is past them now and they are on a four-game winning streak. This has raised some eyebrows within the conference, as well as throughout the league.

A major factor in the Bears stampede is their defense. The “Monsters of the Midway” are back. The Bears have managed to surrender only eight passing touchdowns this season and force sixteen interceptions. The ground game is up to par with nine allowed touchdowns and ten forced fumbles. These turnovers help turn the game around and when the offense can take advantage; it gives the Bears a big push to pulling off a victory in any game.

As of this week, the Bears have pulled into the top ten power rankings on ESPN.com, the first time they have been in that list since week six when they sat at a 4-1 record and Jay Cutler was in injury trouble.

Julius Peppers has been earning his paycheck, and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November. Peppers is in the top five for sacks in the NFL and has been contributing every week to gives the opposing quarterbacks a reason to panic. Jay Cutler has also been doing well, becoming NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. He has come off his best week of his career, boasting 247 passing yards, four touchdowns with no interceptions, and a dazzling 146.2 passer rating versus the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Bears next game is against New England Patriots who should be their ultimate test of the season to see if they are worthy of taking the division and becoming the team to beat in the NFC North. This game should be a great matchup and you can expect a close result, and hopefully the Bears can come away with a win.