NFC North power rankings: Packers put division on notice with statement win

Two weeks into the new season, the Sam Darnold-led Minnesota Vikings are the only undefeated team in the NFC North, just as everyone expected. Darnold led the Vikings to a surprise victory over the San Francisco 49ers, his former team.

It must be something about the backup quarterbacks in the NFC North. Malik Willis deputized for Jordan Love in Week 2, playing his part in an impressive Green Bay Packers victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

The Detroit Lions held off the Los Angeles Rams in their season opener but put in an uncharacteristically poor performance in a home defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, Caleb Williams' slow start continued for the Chicago Bears in defeat on Sunday Night Football.

Where does each team stand entering Week 3?

NFC North power rankings after Week 2: Packers surge, Lions fall

4. Chicago Bears (1-1)

What is going on in Chicago?

Caleb Williams had another rough performance, throwing for 174 yards and two interceptions. His wait for a first NFL touchdown continues. But it's hard to put too much blame on him when watching the Bears' offensive line attempt to block.

Despite Williams' best efforts to escape pressure, Chicago allowed seven sacks and 11 quarterback hits. Per Next Gen Stats, he completed just three of 12 passes for 15 yards and a pick when facing the blitz.

Williams hasn't played well, but the Bears' offensive line is a problem.

3. Detroit Lions (1-1)

Jared Goff's sluggish start to the season is cause for concern in Detroit. Coming off arguably the best year of his career, Goff has thrown just one touchdown pass with three interceptions in the Lions' opening two games. They fell to a surprise home defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2.

There were positives on defense, including Aidan Hutchinson's incredible 4.5 sacks and Brian Branch's interception, but even their best efforts couldn't prevent Baker Mayfield from rushing for an 11-yard game-winning touchdown.

This team has Super Bowl aspirations, but Goff needs to play a lot better.

2. Green Bay Packers (1-1)

The Packers had no business dominating in Week 2, considering Malik Willis started at quarterback less than three weeks after he joined the team via trade from the Tennessee Titans. Willis put in a flawless performance with only two incompletions, and he also threw his first career touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks.

Green Bay's rushing attack is for real. Indianapolis knew it was coming but had no answer, with the Packers turning 53 attempts into 261 yards, including 151 for Josh Jacobs. Jeff Hafley's defense forced three turnovers and held the Colts to 10 points.

The Packers made a statement by finding a way to win without their star quarterback, whose return could come sooner than initially expected.

1. Minnesota Vikings (2-0)

While it's still hard to take the Vikings seriously as playoff contenders, we can't argue with their impressive start to the season.

It's one thing to beat the New York Giants, but the Vikings just took down the San Francisco 49ers, arguably the NFC's best team. Brian Flores' defense sacked Brock Purdy six times while Sam Darnold threw two touchdown passes, including a 97-yarder to Justin Jefferson.

Jefferson suffered a quad injury and couldn't return, which is a concern for Minnesota moving forward, but this was an impressive victory.

More Packers news and analysis