NFC North Power Rankings Week 3: Chicago Bears stumble to a familiar place

For all the talk there was about the NFC North being one of the best divisions in football, two games into the 2024 NFL season, that seems to have been an overreaction.

One of the biggest reasons that seems to be an overreaction is that the Chicago Bears are closer to being the same version of the team they were last season than the team that entered the 2024 season with the expectation of returning to the playoffs.

We've also been pretty critical of the Minnesota Vikings throughout these power rankings, and the time may have come for an apology. The Vikings are the only undefeated team in the NFC North, and their victory on Sunday saw them climb in our latest power rankings.

NFC North Power Rankings Week 3

1. Detroit Lions (Last Week: 1)

Week 2 Result: Loss against Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 20-16

The Lions have opened the 2024 season with consecutive rematches against opponents they faced in the playoffs last season. The Lions won in overtime against the Los Angeles Rams last week but fell short to the Buccaneers on Sunday.

The biggest reason why the Lions keep their ranking at the top of the NFC North is because of the opponents they have played. The Lions opened their season against playoff teams from the 2023 season and were victorious against a Rams that may be regressing this season. The Buccaneers could be a threat in the NFC and their matchup with the Lions could be repeated in January.