Packers: NFC North power rankings entering Week 6
The Packers are the team to beat.
Week 6 is here. The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions return to action in the NFC North this week after their bye.
Green Bay takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a huge NFC matchup. Detroit is set for a matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Minnesota Vikings host the Atlanta Falcons and the Chicago Bears meet the Carolina Panthers.
Here are the NFC North power rankings for Week 6:
1. Packers (4-0)
One of the best teams in the league in the first quarter of the regular season, the Packers are the clear favorites in the NFC North.
Averaging a league-best 38 points per game and now set to get Davante Adams back from injury, the Packers have the opportunity to pull away in the division if they can maintain their incredible performances on offense.
A huge NFC showdown with the Bucs awaits on Sunday.
2. Bears (4-1)
Led by their defense, the Bears are back in contention this season.
Ranked fourth in scoring defense, Chicago is limiting its opponents and pulling off some close victories. All four of the Bears’ wins have been by four points or less, which should serve them well in the key matchups with good teams later in the season.
The number one problem for Chicago is the offense, which ranks 27th overall, 23rd in passing, and 27th in rushing. Scoring only 21 points per game, the Bears need to improve on offense or risk falling away in the NFC North race.
3. Vikings (1-4)
What a disappointing start to the season for the Vikings. You hate to see it.
Under Mike Zimmer, Minnesota’s defense has often been one of the best in the NFL. Not this season. The Vikings rank 28th in scoring defense, allowing 30.4 points per game, while also ranking 26th against the pass and 24th against the run.
Unless Zimmer can turn things around quickly, the Vikings won’t be in contention for much longer.
4. Lions (1-3)
The Lions need to bounce back after their bye week and will get a good opportunity to do so with games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons up next.
Detroit ranks in the bottom 10 for both offense and defense, and is also allowing 31.8 points per game, fourth-most in the NFL.
With favorable matchups up next, this season looks to be more of the same for the Lions. Good enough to win a handful of games, but a long way off competing in the NFC North.