Five weeks into the 2024 NFL season and the clear No. 1 team in the NFC North is still the Minnesota Vikings after they improved their record to 5-0 by defeating the New York Jets this past Sunday.
In Week 5, the Vikings were one of three NFC North teams that were able to leave their respective matchups with a win. The other team didn't suffer a loss either, but that's because they had their bye in Week 5.
So, since we know Minnesota still deserves the top spot in the NFC North after their win over the Jets, how should the rest of the teams in the division rank heading into Week 6?
Minnesota Vikings still No. 1 in NFC North power rankings after Week 5 win over New York Jets
1. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 5-0
Week 5 Result: 23-17 win over the New York Jets
Not every win in the NFL is going to be like when the Vikings defeated the Houston Texans by a score of 34-7 in Week 3. Most matchups typically come down to the final possession or two for each team, and this was the case for Minnesota and New York in Week 5.
The contest between the Vikings and Jets was a battle of two talented defenses, and in the end, Minnesota was the team that was able to emerge with the victory. After making the trip all the way over the London, England, to hand New York a loss, the Vikings now get to enjoy some extra rest with their bye taking place in Week 6.
Week 6 Matchup: Bye
2. Detroit Lions
Record: 3-1
Week 5 Result: Bye
Speaking of extra rest, the Lions had Week 5 off, so the only thing that happened was that they fell another half-game behind Minnesota for first place in the NFC North.
Detroit had a solid win in Week 4 over the Seattle Seahawks, but when they return to the field in Week 6, they'll be heading into a stretch of games in which four of their next five matchups are on the road. The Lions' first opponent after their bye will be the 3-2 Dallas Cowboys, who have won two in a row.
Week 6 Matchup Away at the Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
3. Green Bay Packers
Record: 3-2
Week 5 Result: 24-19 win over the Los Angeles Rams
Yes, the Packers have a 3-2 record after the first five weeks of the 2024 NFL season, but their wins have come against three teams with a combined record of 4-10. Green Bay still hasn't had a victory in which they've really been able to prove they deserve to be regarded as a contender this year.
That opportunity will take place in two weeks when the Packers host the 4-1 Houston Texans in Week 7. Before that, however, Green Bay must take care of business in their Week 6 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Week 6 Matchup: Home vs. the Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
4. Chicago Bears
Record: 3-2
Week 5 Result: 36-10 win over the Carolina Panthers
In Week 5, the Bears demolished their opponent by 26 points and improved their record this season to 3-2. It was an impressive victory by Chicago, who has now won eight straight games inside their home stadium, dating back to last year.
Despite the excitement about their record, the Bears still have plenty of work left to do if they're going to emerge as a playoff contender this season. Part of that work will continue in Week 6 when they travel to London, England, to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Week 6 Matchup: In London vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4)