Through the first three weeks of the 2024 NFL season, the Chicago Bears are learning that you can't manifest regular-season success by doctoring up a national television show that puts a fresh coat of paint over a foundation that is broken at its core.
Across the NFC North, there was a belief that the division could serve as one of the best in all of football this season. The Detroit Lions entered the season as a legitimate playoff contender while the Green Bay Packers were right behind them given the ascension of Jordan Love. The Bears, given their offseason, were also expected to make a climb while the Minnesota Vikings seemed to be set for a reset year.
Through the first three weeks of the 2024 season, there are three teams in the NFC that are indeed proving to be among the best in the NFC, but the Bears are on the outside looking in.
NFC North Power Rankings Week 4
1. Detroit Lions (Last Week: 1)
Week 3 Result: Win against Arizona Cardinals, 20-13
The Minnesota Vikings are knocking on the Lions' door for being the best team in the NFC North but for now, the reigning NFC North champions get the benefit of the doubt.
The Lions got back in the win column with their victory over the Cardinals in Week 3, but questions remain about Jared Goff. Goff was held for under 200 passing yards on Sunday while also throwing an interception. Goff may eventually prove to be the reason the Vikings unseat the Lions, but that point hasn't arrived yet.