When Caleb Williams went down with his hamstring injury in Week 2, it seemed like the Chicago Bears' season could be over. Without its starting quarterback, Ben Johnson's offense was at risk of falling apart.
Instead, Case Keenum drove the Bears to their most dominant win of the year on Monday Night Football. It's safe to say that Chicago is still very much in the mix for the NFC North title heading into Week 4.
After the first three weeks of the season, here's how the division stacks up.
NFC North power rankings entering Week 4
Week 3 results:
- Packers lose to Falcons 35-14
- Lions beat Jets 31-24
- Vikings beat Buccaneers 23-16
- Bears beat Eagles 27-7
1. Minnesota Vikings
While none of the Vikings' victories have been particularly impressive, their undefeated record can't be denied. Kevin O'Connell's offense has avoided critical mistakes, and Brian Flores is making opposing quarterbacks' heads spin with his blitz-happy scheme.
The Vikings will likely come back down to earth in the coming weeks, as matchups with the Lions, Bills, and 49ers are on the horizon. For now, though, they hold onto the top spot in the NFC North.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 4th vs. Dolphins
2. Chicago Bears
Keenum became an unlikely hero for Chicago with his electric performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. With a favorable schedule ahead, it looks like the Bears will be able to survive Williams' absence without losing their position in the division title race.
Johnson's offense is going to be one of the most potent units in the league. The defense's ability to maintain its encouraging performances from the last two weeks will determine just how high the Bears can rise this season.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 4th vs. Jets
3. Detroit Lions
The Lions may be the third team on this list, but they look like a legitimate threat in the NFC after three weeks. Their offense ranks within the league's top ten in almost every statistical category and looks capable of keeping pace with anyone.
Their secondary is still a glaring weakness, but the Lions are a force to be reckoned with in the NFC North.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 4th @ Panthers
4. Green Bay Packers
It might be more accurate to place the Packers fifth on this list, just to show how wide the gap between them and the rest of the division is. Without any sort of efficiency from the running game, Matt LaFleur's offense has been incompetent. Had they not scraped by with a win over the Jets in Week 2, the Packers would be winless so far.
Read more: Case Keenum backed Ben Johnson in a corner with Week 4 Bears QB decision
They'll likely bounce back to some extent, but this rough start might be enough to knock Green Bay out of the division title race.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 4th @ Buccaneers
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