Packers second in NFC North power rankings entering Week 3
Two weeks into the regular season, the NFC North can’t be separated. The Green Bay Packers are in a four-way tie with the other three teams.
But which teams have impressed the most so far this year?
Will all four teams remain in the playoff mix until late in the season, or are there one or two clear frontrunners?
Here are the Week 3 NFC North power rankings.
1. Minnesota Vikings (1-1)
Despite losing last week to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Vikings have playoff potential. They also deserve to sit atop the Week 3 power rankings after destroying the division-rival Packers in Week 1.
That said, they need to bounce back this week against the Detroit Lions. The Vikings were outplayed by the Eagles in primetime.
Minnesota has two big divisional matchups coming up in the next three weeks, along with a trip to London in between.
2. Green Bay Packers (1-1)
The Packers looked far better in Week 2, making easy work of the Chicago Bears.
Joe Barry’s defense held Chicago to 10 points, while the offense showed it’s more than capable of moving the ball, even without Davante Adams.
Still, stopping the run remains an issue, and the Packers’ offense found ways to beat themselves in the second half.
An encouraging performance, but a lot of work needs to be done.
3. Detroit Lions (1-1)
The Lions will be fun to watch this season. They are averaging an impressive 35.5 points per game, second behind only the Buffalo Bills. But they have allowed 32.5 points per game, second-most in the NFL.
If the opening two weeks are a sign of what’s to come, the Lions could be in a lot of high-scoring games this season. Exciting for the fans, but it may lead to some inconsistent results.
4. Chicago Bears (1-1)
The Bears crashed back down to earth in Week 2 after an impressive opening-day win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Chicago couldn’t stop the run, allowing 203 yards on the ground at Green Bay.
Pass protection also remains an issue. Justin Fields only attempted 11 passes but was sacked three times.
With winnable games against the Houston Texans and New York Giants up next, can the Bears bounce back?