NFC North power rankings: Packers send clear message to Vikings and Lions

The NFC North continues to deliver excitement each week.

Victories for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions keep the race for first place tough to predict, but the Chicago Bears slumped to a second straight defeat. It turns out Sam Darnold and Malik Willis are pretty good, after all, but first-overall pick Caleb Williams had another game to forget.

Minnesota remains undefeated after three games, setting up a fascinating matchup at Lambeau Field next week in what could be Jordan Love's return game.

Before then, it's time to let the dust settle on an eventful Week 3 and update our NFC North power rankings.

NFC North power rankings after Week 3: Packers continue to deliver without Jordan Love

4. Chicago Bears (1-2)

Caleb Williams finally threw his first two touchdown passes in the NFL, but not before making two costly interceptions. He also lost a fumble, capping off another performance to forget for the new-look Chicago offense.

The Bears allowed 150 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in a disappointing performance, leaving head coach Matt Eberflus with more questions than answers with the Los Angeles Rams up next.

3. Detroit Lions (2-1)

The Lions bounced back with a hard-fought victory over the Arizona Cardinals. They rode their luck with a Jared Goff pick-six getting called back because the officials believed it had reached the two-minute warning before the snap (it hadn't), but it was a tough road win against a talented opponent.

Goff threw two touchdown passes and Detroit rushed for 187 yards, but the Lions' defensive performance was the biggest takeaway. They held Arizona to just 13 points, 77 rushing yards, and forced a turnover.

2. Green Bay Packers (2-1)

The Packers did it again without Jordan Love. Malik Willis exacted revenge on the Tennessee Titans, who traded him for a seventh-round pick only four weeks ago. Willis and the Packers' offense had an outstanding game, but the biggest praise belongs to the defense.

Jeff Hafley's unit dominated, making eight sacks, forcing three turnovers, and limiting Tennessee to 33 rushing yards. That's winning football. The Packers have stepped up on both sides of the ball without Love.

Now, imagine what this team can do once their franchise quarterback returns.

1. Minnesota Vikings (3-0)

Are the Vikings for real? After upsetting the San Francisco 49ers a week ago, they handed C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans a 34-7 defeat in Week 3. Sam Darnold threw four touchdown passes, the defense intercepted Stroud twice, and the Vikings dominated in every phase.

They are undefeated after three weeks and have taken down two Super Bowl contenders in consecutive weeks. Kevin O'Connell deserves a ton of praise.

It makes next week's game against the Packers even more fascinating.

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