The NFC North is the best division in football and it's not even close. The Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears are interesting and dangerous teams with weapons that can be explosive in any given week.
With how competitive the division is, winning the crown is going to be a huge challenge. The teams that don't win the division will be left to fight for Wild Card spots despite great records and big wins throughout the season.
Here is how the Vikings stack up to the rest of the NFC North.
NFC North Power Rankings after Week 11
1. Detroit Lions
Record: 9-1
Week 11 result: DET 52, JAX 6
The Detroit Lions are a favorite to win the Super Bowl this season for a reason. They are a strong team with a ton of explosive weapons and a tough defense that puts away inferior opposition regularly.
Detroit absolutely demolished the Jaguars on Sunday, showing no mercy to a two-win team that is struggling to figure out their identity. The Lions will have another opportunity to beat up on a struggling team when they face the Colts next.
Week 12 matchup: at Indianapolis Colts
2. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 8-2
Week 11 result: MIN 23, TEN 13
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Titans last week, but it wasn't the convincing win many fans hoped it would be. The purple and gold are finding ways to win by using a strong pass rush and a variety of offensive weapons to keep opponents guessing.
A big question about the Vikings this season is whether they are a really good team or if they are an average team that is overachieving. Either way, having only two losses through 11 weeks is impressive for a team with such low expectations entering the season.
Week 12 matchup: at Chicago Bears
3. Green Bay Packers
Record: 7-3
Week 11 result: GB 20, CHI 19
No matter how you feel about the Green Bay Packers, they are a dangerous team that has to be taken seriously. Although they needed a blocked field goal to beat the Bears last week, the green and gold appear to be on their way to the postseason.
Green Bay is on track for a double-digit win season and will be in the hunt for the division crown. Of course, that means Jordan Love and his group of young receivers will need to keep winning games, but that doesn't seem like a huge problem for them.
Week 12 matchup: vs. San Francisco 49ers
4. Chicago Bears
Record: 4-6
Week 11 result: GB 20, CHI 19
The Chicago Bears loaded up on talent this offseason through the draft and free agency, raising expectations for them this year. However, they have struggled to put teams away this season and are the only team in the division with a losing record through 11 weeks.
That said, the Bears are a team trending upward. They have several young players and big contributors who could make them a huge threat if they get on the same page. Let's hope that doesn't happen against Minnesota on Sunday.
Week 12 matchup: vs. Minnesota Vikings