NFC North power rankings: Packers make statement, Vikings lose without playing

It's no longer a question, but a fact. The NFC North is the best division in football. As it stands, the North would send three teams into the postseason, with the Chicago Bears only just missing out.

The Green Bay Packers and Bears are tied for third and fourth, but their 4-2 records would, at worst, tie for first place in five of the other seven divisions. The four NFC North teams lead the league in points differential, and they have a combined win-loss record of 17-5 over the first five weeks of the season.

After winning their first five games, the Minnesota Vikings sat on bye but had to watch their three division rivals win big. The Packers destroyed the Arizona Cardinals, the Bears dominated against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, and the Detroit Lions humiliated the Dallas Cowboys.

Where does each team stand after an eventful Week 6?

NFC North power rankings after Week 6: The best division in football

4. Chicago Bears (4-2)

Here come the Bears. Caleb Williams is heating up, which is bad news for the rest of the league. The first-overall pick completed 79 percent of his passes for 226 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in a 35-16 win over the Jaguars in London.

Over the past two games, Williams has 530 yards and six touchdowns with one pick. Yes, the Bears had the benefit of playing against the Jaguars and Carolina Panthers, and they must prove it against better teams, but Williams' stock is rising fast.

With a strong defense forcing two more takeaways, the Bears have put the division on notice.

3. Green Bay Packers (4-2)

The Packers are heating up and put together a statement victory over a Cardinals team that had just beaten the San Francisco 49ers. It was about as one-sided as it gets. Jordan Love threw four touchdown passes with one interception, while the defense forced three more takeaways and restricted Arizona to just 13 points, including three in the second half.

Romeo Doubs returned from suspension to catch two touchdowns, which included an unbelievable play from Love, while Christian Watson also found the end zone in his first game back from injury.

The Packers host the Houston Texans next. They are building momentum ahead of the toughest part of the schedule.

2. Detroit Lions (4-1)

Wow. While we're talking about statement wins, how about that? It would appear the Lions took last season's controversial loss to the Cowboys personally. They dominated on both sides of the ball, ran up the score, and may have cost Mike McCarthy his job with a 47-9 victory.

However, Detroit also lost star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson for the season to a significant knee injury. Hutchinson entered Week 6 with a league-high 6.5 sacks and was in contention for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. It can't be overstated how big of a loss this is for the Lions.

1. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)

Minnesota remains in first place with a perfect 5-0 record despite not playing this week. However, Vikings fans won't feel great after watching the other three NFC North teams in action. The Packers, Bears, and Lions closed the gap, winning their games by a combined score of 116-38.

The Vikings are undoubtedly the team to beat through six weeks, and they get a huge showdown with the Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium up next.

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