NFC North Power Rankings: Are the Vikings at the top after Week 2 win over 49ers?

For whatever reason, the Minnesota Vikings had a significant number of doubters heading into the 2024 NFL season. But after getting wins in their first two games this year, it's safe to say that any skepticism about the Vikings is much lower than it was at the beginning of the month.

With how things have shaken out so far this season, Minnesota has not only shown that they have the talent to compete for a playoff spot, but they might even be able to challenge for the top spot in their division as well.

At the very least, the Vikings have inserted themselves in the conversation about who could win the NFC North this season. There are still 15 games left on their schedule, but it's been so far, so good for Minnesota to begin the 2024 campaign.

NFC North Power Rankings: Minnesota Vikings deserving of top spot after win over San Francisco 49ers

1. Minnesota Vikings

Record: 2-0
Week 2 Result: 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers

Yes, the 49ers were without All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey for their Week 2 matchup against the Vikings, but San Francisco still had plenty of talent on the field with guys like Deebo Samuel, Trent Williams, Brock Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk, Fred Warner, George Kittle, and Nick Bosa all in the lineup.

Led by its aggressive defense, Minnesota was able to out-physical a 49ers team that has developed a reputation over the years of being one of the most physical squads in the entire NFL. Former San Francisco quarterback Sam Darnold helping lead the Vikings to the win made the result that much sweeter, and now Minnesota heads into Week 3 with an unbeaten record for the first time since 2016.

Week 3 Matchup: Home vs. the Houston Texans (2-0)

2. Detroit Lions

Record: 1-1
Week 2 Result: 20-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After squeaking out an overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, the Lions suffered a loss in front of their home crowd to an underrated Bucs team this past Sunday.

Despite running 36 more plays than Tampa Bay and out-gaining them by almost 250 total yards, Detroit still wound up on the losing side of the matchup. Clearly, going 1-for-7 in the red zone and throwing two interceptions was too much for the mighty Lions to overcome.

Week 3 Matchup: Away at the Arizona Cardinals (2-0)

3. Green Bay Packers

Record: 1-1
Week 2 Result: 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts

If there was a blueprint for doing absolutely anything possible to get a win, the Packers wrote it in their Week 2 win over the Colts.

With Jordan Love dealing with a knee injury, Malik Willis started at quarterback for Green Bay in this game, and the team proceeded to run the ball 53 times for 261 yards. That's the most rushing attempts the Packers have had in a single matchup since Week 13 of the 1978 season.

Week 3 Matchup: Away at the Tennessee Titans (0-2)

4. Chicago Bears

Record: 1-1
Week 2 Result: 19-13 loss to the Houston Texans

If the Bears want to compete for a spot in the playoffs this season, then their offensive line will need to quickly figure out how to perform much better than they have in the team's first two games.

Against the Texans this past Sunday, Chicago allowed rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to be pressured on 42.6 percent of his dropbacks and he was sacked seven times. No quarterback in the NFL has been sacked more than Williams this season (nine) and it's a big reason why the rookie signal-caller still hasn't tossed his first-career touchdown pass yet.

Week 3 Matchup: Away at the Indianapolis Colts (0-2)

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