Every Week 3 game from the 2024 NFL season has now been completed, and the Minnesota Vikings are one of just five teams around the league that still hasn't suffered a loss.
This past Sunday, the Houston Texans were the unlucky team that had to face the Vikings. Minnesota took control of the matchup immediately and eventually left the field with a 3-0 record after defeating the Texans by a final score of 34-7.
But the Vikings weren't the only NFC North team to earn a victory in Week 3, as two other members of the division also added another win to their 2024 total. So, after all of the games this past weekend, what should the NFC North power rankings look like heading into Week 4?
Minnesota Vikings remain at the top of the NFC North power rankings after Week 3 win over Houston Texans
1. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 3-0
Week 3 Result: 34-7 win over the Houston Texans
Despite many national media members expecting the Vikings to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this year, one could say they've defied the odds by starting their 2024 schedule with wins in each of their first three games.
What's been the most impressive about Minnesota's three wins this year is how dominant they've been in all of their games. In each of their three matchups, the Vikings have entered the fourth quarter with a lead over their opponent of at least 13 points. This isn't a team that has gotten lucky a few times to start the season; they're straight-up dominating their opponents.
Week 4 Matchup: Away at the Green Bay Packers (2-1)
2. Detroit Lions
Record: 2-1
Week 3 Result: 20-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals
Against a talented Cardinals offense in Week 3, it was the Lions defense that came up big. Detroit held Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray to just 207 passing yards, and the Cardinals were only 1-of-9 on third down against the Lions on Sunday.
Detroit also utilized its physicality in the matchup, as they ran the ball 43 times for 187 yards and only attempted 23 passes. Arizona had no answer for a Lions team that was clearly prepared to bully their way to a victory in Week 3.
Week 4 Matchup: Home vs. the Seattle Seahawks (3-0)
3. Green Bay Packers
Record: 2-1
Week 3 Result: 30-14 win over the Tennessee Titans
Yes, the Packers have found a way to win their last two games without Jordan Love starting under center. However, Green Bay has also had the luxury of going up against two of the worst teams in the NFL in the last two weeks in the Titans and Indianapolis Colts.
That being said, the Packers defense performed very well in the team's Week 3 win over Tennessee. Green Bay held the Titans to just 237 total yards and they forced three turnovers, including an interception that Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander turned into a pick-six when he returned it 35 yards for a touchdown.
Week 4 Matchup: Home vs. the Minnesota Vikings (3-0)
4. Chicago Bears
Record: 1-2
Week 3 Result: 21-16 loss to the Indianapolis Colts
After the Colts allowed over 200 rushing yards in each of their first two games this season, they seemed like a great opponent for the Bears and their rookie quarterback to get things back on track after a disappointing loss to the Texans in Week 2.
Instead, Chicago opted to have rookie signal-caller Caleb Williams attempt 52 passes, and unsurprisingly, it didn't result in a win. For a team that was viewed as such a great situation for Williams to land in, the Bears have done almost nothing to help put their young quarterback in a position to succeed this year.
Week 4 Matchup: Home vs. the Los Angeles Rams (1-2)