NFC North power rankings entering Week 1: Packers aim to dethrone Lions

The NFC North could be the most challenging division in the league this season. The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions will feel like they should've defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs, which would've sent one of them into a Super Bowl showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Both teams took steps toward fixing their defenses this offseason. Detroit upgraded its secondary via the 2024 NFL Draft, while Green Bay made a defensive coordinator change.

The Chicago Bears, led by first-overall pick Caleb Williams, aim to go from worst to first in 2024. They are among the most unpredictable teams in the NFL this season, similar to the Packers a year ago.

With preseason in the books and Week 1 finally here, where does each team stand in the NFC North power rankings?

4. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings were already behind the eight ball entering training camp, but J.J. McCarthy's season-ending injury saw their playoff hopes go up in smoke. Their dreams rest on the right arm of Sam Darnold.

That's not to say Kevin O'Connell's team isn't talented—far from it. Darnold is protected by a solid offensive line and surrounded by a supporting cast of Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, T.J. Hockenson, and Jordan Addison.

However, even if Darnold exceeds expectations and finds rhythm in this offense, the Vikings have a mountain to climb to keep pace with the other three teams in the division.

3. Chicago Bears

The Bears are the NFC North's wild card. They might not be ready to compete in the division while Caleb Williams adjusts to the NFL and builds chemistry with his receivers. But what if they are ready?

Williams looked good in limited preseason action, and the Bears have surrounded him with an all-world receiving corps of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and rookie Rome Odunze. With an ascending defense keeping games close, the Bears could join the NFC North race ahead of schedule.

There are many unknowns with this team, but the upside is unlimited. We'll begin to learn about their playoff chances when the Tennessee Titans visit Soldier Field on Sunday.

2. Green Bay Packers

Jordan Love and the Packers were the hottest team in football entering the playoffs, but they start all over again in 2024. Expectations have changed. Love is the highest-paid quarterback in the league, and Matt LaFleur's team has reentered the Super Bowl conversation.

Love's breakout may open a new championship window, but the Packers' hopes rest on the defense. They are expected to play a more aggressive style under Jeff Hafley's watch, and the addition of Xavier McKinney could be a game-changer.

If the Packers we saw at the backend of last season is a sign of what's to come, the sky is the limit for LaFleur's team in 2024.

1. Detroit Lions

The Lions are in an unusual situation. They are now the hunted team in the NFC North. No longer loveable losers, Dan Campbell's squad enters the season with Super Bowl-or-bust expectations.

There's no doubting the offense. Ben Johnson snubbed head coach interest to continue his work as one of the league's fastest-rising offensive coordinators. The offensive line gets even stronger with the addition of Kevin Zeitler, while Lions fans hope Jameson Williams' breakout season is finally here.

It's over to the defense.

Detroit added defensive lineman DJ Reader and cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Carlton Davis. If the Lions take a step forward defensively, they could become the Chiefs' biggest challengers in their quest for a three-peat.

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