NFC North Power Rankings Week 4: Chicago Bears are not ready to take the north

2. Minnesota Vikings (2)

Week 3 result: Win against Houston Texans, 34-7

For a second consecutive week, the Minnesota Vikings have defeated a Super Bowl Contender. Last week, it was the San Francisco 49ers. This week, the Vikings dismantled the Texans.

Sam Darnold continues to make a strong case for the being the 2024 comeback player of the year. Darnold threw four touchdown passes in the Vikings' victory over the Texans. Given the struggles that the Bears' offense had against the Texans' defense last week, Sunday was another sign that Darnold's success this season may be real.

Even if one doesn't want to believe in Darnold's resurgence, the Vikings' defense could be what makes them real contenders this season.