Every week, the NFC North never fails to excite.
The Chicago Bears lost for the second straight week, but victories by the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions make the fight for first place unpredictable. Though first-overall pick Caleb Williams had another forgettable performance, it turns out that Sam Darnold and Malik Willis are actually pretty excellent.
After three games, Minnesota has not lost, setting up an intriguing clash at Lambeau Field the following week that may include Jordan Love’s comeback game.
Before then, let’s update our NFC North power rankings and allow the dust to settle from an exciting third week.
NFC North power rankings following Week 3: Even without Jordan Love, the Packers are still very good
4. The 1-2 Chicago Bears
After throwing two expensive interceptions, Caleb Williams eventually scored his first two touchdown passes in the National Football League. In addition, he fumbled the ball, ending yet another forgettable game for the revamped Chicago offense.
In a lackluster showing, the Bears gave up 150 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, leaving head coach Matt Eberflus with more problems than solutions when the Los Angeles Rams came up next.
3. Lions of Detroit (2-1)
With a spirited victory over the Arizona Cardinals, the Lions recovered. It was a hard road victory against a quality opponent, but they rode their luck with a Jared Goff pick-six being called back because the officials thought it had reached the two-minute warning before the snap (it hadn’t).
Although Detroit ran for 187 yards and Goff completed two touchdown passes, the most important thing to remember about the Lions was their defensive effort. They forced a turnover, limited Arizona to 77 rushing yards, and only gave up 13 points.
2. Packers of Green Bay (2-1)
Without Jordan Love, the Packers triumphed once more. Just four weeks ago, the Tennessee Titans traded Malik Willis for a seventh-round pick; now, he exacted retribution. The defense deserves the most credit for their performance, but Willis and the Packers’ offense also had fantastic games.
The team led by Jeff Hafley was dominant, recording eight sacks, forcing three fumbles, and only allowing 33 rushing yards from Tennessee. That’s how you win football. Without Love, the Packers have improved on both sides of the ball.
Imagine what this squad will be able to accomplish once its franchise quarterback gets back.
1. The 3-0 Minnesota Vikings
Do the Vikings actually exist? They upset the San Francisco 49ers the week before, and in Week 3, they defeated C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans 34–7. The Vikings dominated every phase of the game, with Sam Darnold throwing four touchdown passes and the defense intercepting Stroud twice.
After three weeks, they are unbeaten and have defeated two Super Bowl contenders in a row. Kevin O’Connell is deserving of much appreciation.
It adds even more intrigue to the game versus the Packers the following week.
