The NFC North is one of the most tightly contested divisions in the NFL. At least, that was the case before the Week 1 slate separated the Chicago Bears from the rest of the pack. Chicago's offensive masterclass led to the highest point total in the league's opening weekend.
Meanwhile, the rest of the division exposed its biggest weaknesses. The Detroit Lions nearly allowed a monumental comeback from the New Orleans Saints, and the Green Bay Packers fell in embarrassing fashion to the Kyler Murray-less Minnesota Vikings.
After one week of regular-season action, here's how the NFC North stacks up.
NFC North power rankings entering Week 2
Week 1 results:
- Lions beat Saints 31-30 (OT)
- Bears beat Panthers 59-37
- Vikings beat Packers 39-22
1. Chicago Bears
Since 2020, only three NFL teams have scored at least 59 points in a single game. The Bears' historic Week 1 performance was highlighted by a near-perfect Caleb Williams game and a dominant rushing attack, but the real star was Ben Johnson. He outcoached Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero in every area.
Of course, giving up 37 points to Bryce Young and the Panthers isn't exactly encouraging. Chicago's defense could end up being one of the worst in the NFL this season.
The Bears will face a tougher test against the Vikings in Week 2, giving them a chance to solidify their spot at the top of the division.
Next game: Sunday, Sept. 20th vs. Vikings
2. Detroit Lions
Halfway through the third quarter of their opener against the Saints, the Lions were enjoying the most dominant win of the NFL's opening slate. They had a 21-0 lead and seemed to be cruising to a statement win. They then allowed 24 points in the final 20 minutes of regulation and barely escaped with an overtime win.
While Detroit's offense looked as good as ever, its secondary is a season-breaking issue. Better offenses are going to take advantage of its lack of talent at cornerback.
The Lions could still push for a playoff spot, but they're far from being a complete team.
Next game: Thursday, Sept. 17th @ Bills
3. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings looked headed for disaster in Week 1 when Kyler Murray suffered a concussion after throwing an early interception. Against all odds, Carson Wentz came in and led Minnesota to a three-score victory over the Packers.
While the result may say more about the Packers than it does about the Vikings, Kevin O'Connell's team deserves some credit for the late comeback. Their combination of elite offensive skill position talent and Brian Flores' blitz-happy defense will always be dangerous.
Still, they come just short of the No. 2 spot as questions about the quarterback position linger.
Next game: Sunday, Sept. 20th @ Bears
4. Green Bay Packers
Yikes. The Packers entered the season with realistic playoff aspirations, and they're suddenly the only team in the division without a win. Their late-game collapse against the Vikings exposed an ineffective rushing attack and a weak defense that can't hold up without Micah Parsons.
The connection between Jordan Love and Christian Watson looks good, but Green Bay doesn't have much else to be excited about at the moment.
Read more: Justin Jefferson could make life a living hell for Bears' secondary in Week 2
If the Packers can't come away with a win over the New York Jets in Week 2, panic will start to set in.
Next game: Sunday, Sept. 20 @ Jets
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