NFC North Power Rankings: Vikings still better than Packers after Week 8?

Week 8 was a wild one for the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions. Two members of the NFC North, including the Vikings, lost, while the other two teams improved their 2024 records with victories in their Week 8 matchups.

Even with two members of the NFC North losing this week, it's still arguably the best division in the entire NFL this year. The possibility of all four teams from the NFC North making this season's playoffs is still alive and well.

So, after what took place during the last few days, how should each team in the division be ranked heading in Week 9?

Minnesota Vikings hold onto No. 2 spot in NFC North despite Week 8 loss to Los Angeles Rams

1. Detroit Lions

Record: 6-1
Week 8 Result: 52-14 win over the Tennessee Titans

Coming off a two-point win over the Vikings in Week 7, the Lions made it very clear that they are currently the team to beat in the NFC by clobbering the Titans on Sunday. The most impressive part of the victory might be the fact that Detroit quarterback Jared Goff only threw for 85 yards in the game, and the team still managed to put 52 points up on the board.

Defeating Tennessee wasn't difficult for the Lions, but things aren't going to be so easy next Sunday when they travel to Green Bay for a big NFC North battle inside Lambeau Field.

Week 9 Matchup: Away at the Green Bay Packers (5-2)

2. Minnesota Vikings

Record: 5-2
Week 8 Result: 30-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams

Minnesota has now dropped two games in a row after beginning the season with five straight wins. The Vikings seemed to be caught off guard this past Thursday by a Rams team that has struggled for most of the year.

Unfortunately, Minnesota not only lost the game in Week 8, but the team also lost their starting left tackle, Christian Darrisaw, for the remainder of the 2024 season after he suffered a knee injury against Los Angeles. It will be interesting to see who the Vikings replace him with in the starting lineup before their next matchup in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Week 9 Matchup: Home vs. the Indianapolis Colts (4-4)

3. Green Bay Packers

Record: 5-2
Week 8 Result: 30-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars

A lot took place during the Packers' three-point win over the Jaguars on Sunday. Not only did Green Bay struggle to defeat a team with only two wins this season, but they also lost quarterback Jordan Love to a groin injury in the middle of the game.

Luckily for the Packers, Malik Willis did well in place of Love, and the team ultimately walked off the field with a victory. It will certainly be interesting to see who ends up starting at quarterback for Green Bay next Sunday when they host the Lions.

Week 9 Matchup: Home vs. the Detroit Lions (6-1)

4. Chicago Bears

Record: 4-4
Week 8 Result: 18-15 loss to the Washington Commanders

Chicago was literally celebrating a win before the clock hit zero on Sunday, and it came back to bite them, as the Bears wound up being on the wrong end of an incredible Hail Mary game-winning touchdown pass by Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

It's a tough way to lose, but the Bears also didn't play well enough to get the victory either. Chicago rookie quarterback Caleb Williams only completed 41.7 percent of his passes for 131 yards and the Bears were just 2-of-12 on third down on Sunday.

Week 9 Matchup: Away at the Arizona Cardinals (4-4)

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