Packers: NFC North power rankings ahead of Week 11

The Packers are the clear frontrunners in the NFC North.

As we enter Week 11, we’re inching closer towards the final stretch of the regular season. Some big games await for every team in the NFC North.

All four teams are still in with a chance of reaching the playoffs, although there is very little margin of error for the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions moving forward.

Here’s the updated rankings:

1. Green Bay Packers (7-2)

Previous ranking: 1

There is daylight between the Packers and everyone else.

At 7-2 and holding a two-game advantage at the top of the NFC North, it’s the Packers’ division to lose. This week’s game against the Indianapolis Colts looks daunting, but with games to come against the Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers in the next six, as well as divisional games versus the Bears and Lions, Matt LaFleur’s team has a great chance to build on this lead.

2. Minnesota Vikings (4-5)

Previous ranking: 4

Well, hello. The Vikings are pulling themselves back into the wild-card race after winning three straight. They are setup with a great schedule in the next three weeks featuring games against the Dallas Cowboys, Panthers, and Jacksonville Jaguars. They may be up against three backup QBs in each game. If the Vikings win all three and move to 7-5, they’ll be right back in the mix.

After such a bad start, Mike Zimmer’s team has little margin for error and can likely only afford one more loss this season, and even that may not be enough. But they’ve shown playoff potential in recent weeks are still in the race. Just.

3. Chicago Bears (5-5)

Previous ranking: 2

The Vikings are red-hot, the Bears the complete opposite. After the NFC North looked set to be a two-horse race, the Bears have fallen apart with four straight defeats. They’ll need to be ready for the Packers after their bye week and it’s likely a must-win game.

After a strong start, the Bears look like pretenders.

4. Detroit Lions (4-5)

Previous ranking: 3

Wins against the Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and Washington Football Team doesn’t do much for the Lions.

This is just another classic Lions season. They win some games and look good, then get blown away by playoff teams. The worst-case scenario is a 7-9 or 8-8 season but it sure likes they’re heading that way. They’re a million miles away from competing but each win is pushing them away from the top 10 of the draft order.