NFC North power rankings Week 9: Injuries wreak havoc ahead of Packers-Lions clash

Injuries are beginning to mount in the NFC North, and it could have a significant impact on the most competitive division in football.

The Detroit Lions have already had to adjust without star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, but there were even more injuries to star players across the division in Week 8.

Jordan Love, Jaire Alexander, and Evan Williams all avoided long-term issues but could miss the Green Bay Packers' crucial showdown with the Lions this weekend. Detroit lost starting linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, while wide receiver Jameson Williams is still suspended.

The Minnesota Vikings didn't only lose their second game in five days on Thursday Night Football, but also star left tackle Christian Darrisaw for the season, an injury that could derail their division title dreams. It's that significant.

After an eventful Week 8, where does each team in the NFC North stand?

NFC North power rankings: Packers and Lions lead the way ahead of huge game

4. Chicago Bears (4-3)

Hahahaha. Do you know how tempting it was to just end the analysis there?

OK, let's stop laughing for a moment and dive into where the Chicago Bears stand after their hilarious loss to the Washington Commanders. While the focus is on Tyrique Stevenson for trash-talking Commanders fans and then single-handedly losing the game for the Bears on the last-second Hail Mary, it's easy to forget how badly Caleb Williams played.

The first overall pick completed only 10 of 24 passes for 131 yards, and he also lost a fumble. The only saving grace for Chicago's offense was its rushing attack that piled up 196 yards and two touchdowns.

There's still a lot to like about the Bears' defense, which, outside of a miracle Hail Mary, limited the Commanders to 12 points. And, hey, the upside of Williams playing so poorly is the Bears can justify spending a fourth-round pick on a punter.

3. Minnesota Vikings (5-2)

The Vikings came crashing back down to earth after their bye week. Having started 5-0, they lost twice in less than a week. Even more concerning is the loss of left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who is arguably Minnesota's most important player not named Sam Darnold or Justin Jefferson.

All hope is not lost in the Twin Cities. Far from it. The Vikings' 5-0 start provided some margin for error, and there's no shame in losing one-score games to the Lions and Los Angeles Rams.

Of greater concern is Brian Flores' defense. His disguised coverages had quarterbacks fooled early in the season, holding their opening five opponents below 30 points. However, in their two defeats, Detroit and Los Angeles hit the 30 mark, and Minnesota's secondary had no answer for Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp on Thursday Night Football.

2. Green Bay Packers (6-2)

The Packers survived a potential trap game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It required a gutsy effort after Jordan Love suffered a groin injury on the opening possession and later had to be replaced by Malik Willis.

While Matt LaFleur's team found a way to keep pace with the Lions in the NFC North, it came at a cost. Love, Jaire Alexander, and Evan Williams may have escaped serious injuries, but the Packers aren't out of the woods yet. They are all doubts for Sunday's battle for first place against Detroit.

LaFleur said the upcoming bye week won't factor into their decision-making. If Love is cleared, he will play. If not? The Packers must win again with Willis.

1. Detroit Lions (6-1)

Injuries and suspensions aside, the Lions might be the best team in football. They have outscored their opponents this season by exactly 100 points, a league-high, and have averaged 43 points over their past four games.

The Lions humiliated the Tennessee Titans last week by scoring 52 points on them before the end of the third quarter. Dan Campbell isn't afraid to run up the score, especially when it comes to throwing passes to offensive linemen against the Dallas Cowboys.

Detroit's offense is comfortably the best in the league through eight weeks. Its defense finds ways to take the ball away with the second-most takeaways in the NFL, but it's possible to move the ball against this unit sans Aidan Hutchinson. It's easier said than done, but the Packers will need a run-heavy script and aim to control the clock, even if Love is healthy.

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