Packers: NFC North power rankings ahead of Week 15

The division-champion Packers lead the way in NFC North power rankings.

NFC North champions once again, the Green Bay Packers are far and away the best team in the division.

But how do the other teams in the division rank? Is there any chance of a second team from the NFC North reaching the playoffs?

Here are the Week 15 NFC North power rankings:

1. Green Bay Packers (10-3)

Previous ranking: 1

There are the Green Bay Packers, then a huge gap, then the rest in the NFC North.

The Packers have been involved in some thrilling division races over the past decade or so. From Randall Cobb’s division-winner against the Chicago Bears to NFC North-clinching wins over both the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, there have been some great battles.

Not this time. The Packers have been the clear frontrunners for some time and wrapped up the division crown with three games remaining. Their sights turn to the top seed in the NFC.

2. Minnesota Vikings (6-7)

Previous ranking: 2

The Vikings‘ playoff hopes took a hit last week with their loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A win would’ve kept them just in contention for the NFC North title.

Minnesota dropped out of the playoff spots, too, and is now a game behind the 7-6 Arizona Cardinals for the seventh seed. The Vikings have been able to turn things around recently but will need to be near-perfect in games against the Bears, New Orleans Saints, and Lions to have a shot.

3. Chicago Bears (6-7)

Previous ranking: 4

The Bears kept their season alive with an impressive victory over the Houston Texans but, like the Vikings, they need to be perfect in the final weeks. That starts on the road against the Vikings before closing out the season with games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Packers.

Win all three and they have a chance of earning a wild-card berth.

4. Detroit Lions (5-8)

Previous ranking: 3

The Lions fought hard against the Packers on Sunday but they just need this season to end. Best-case scenario for the Lions is to lose their remaining three and get the highest draft pick possible. They would own the 11th pick if the season ended today.

Detroit hasn’t officially been eliminated from playoff contention but at 5-8, two games out of the wild-card spots, it’s game over.