NFC North Power Rankings Week 2: Bears can make a climb after Jordan Love injury

Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Season is in the books, and the NFC North division became much more compelling after the injury to Jordan Love against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night.

Love suffered an MCL sprain during the closing seconds of their loss to the Eagles on Friday, an injury that will keep the Packers' quarterback sidelined for 3-6 weeks. Love and the success he had toward the end of the 2023 season were a large part of the reason why the Packers were believed to be right up there with the Detroit Lions in terms of being the best team in the NFC North.

After the first week of the season, with Love potentially sidelined until the middle of October, that changes the outlook of our NFC North Power Rankings.

NFC North Power Rankings Week 2

1. Detroit Lions (Last Week: 1)

Week 1 Result: Win against Los Angeles Rams, 26-20

If there was any doubt that the Detroit Lions weren't ready to defend their NFC North crown, it was erased on Sunday night in their game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Even more concerning for the Bears is that the Lions may have unlocked another offensive threat. In their overtime victory over the Rams on Sunday, wide receiver Jameson Williams totaled 121 receiving yards and 1 touchdown on 5 receptions. When the Lions selected Williams in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the offensive outburst they saw on Sunday was the expectation. Injuries and a gambling suspension had previously stunted that development but Williams could be the difference maker for the Lions this season.