NFC North Power Rankings: Where do the Vikings rank before Week 1 vs. Giants?

Following what seemed like an offseason that would never end, the first week of the 2024 regular season is here for the Minnesota Vikings and the three other teams in the NFC North.

Last year, the Detroit Lions won the NFC North for the first time in the history of the franchise after they were able to finish with a 12-5 record. The Lions were the third different team to win the division in the last three seasons, as the Vikings topped the NFC North in 2022, and the Green Bay Packers won the title in 2021.

In 2024, could the Chicago Bears become the fourth different team in the last four years to win the NFC North, will Detroit win back-to-back-division titles for the first time since 1954, or will the top of the NFC North be re-claimed by Minnesota or Green Bay?

NFC North Power Rankings: Where do the Minnesota Vikings rank before Week 1?

1. Green Bay Packers

2024 Record Prediction: 12-5

In their first full season with Jordan Love as their starting quarterback in 2023, the Packers stumbled out of the gate (including a 24-10 loss to the Vikings in Week 8), but then they recovered enough to win six of their final eight games and earn a spot in the playoffs.

Love should be much more comfortable as Green Bay's starter this year, and the defense could be one of the best in the NFL after moving on from Joe Barry and hiring former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley to be the team's new defensive coordinator.

2. Minnesota Vikings

2024 Record Prediction: 10-7

Speaking of a defense with a ton of potential this season, a year after Brian Flores was able to improve the Vikings' points allowed per game ranking from 28th to 13th with a bunch of players that didn't really fit his scheme, he has a lot more useful tools this year that could lead to Minnesota having a top-10 defense for the first time since 2019.

On the offensive side of the ball, it's really going to come down to health. Is Justin Jefferson's hamstring issue behind him? Can Aaron Jones play a complete season? When will T.J. Hockenson return?

All of these are big questions for the Vikings offense heading into the 2024 campaign, in addition to the significant amount of uncertainty surrounding Sam Darnold as the team's starting quarterback.

3. Detroit Lions

2024 Record Prediction: 9-8

2023 was a magical year for the Lions and their fans. Everyone is jumping on the Detroit bandwagon, and some are even picking them to win the Super Bowl. But the upcoming season is going to be a lot harder for the Lions with a target on their backs.

Finishing first in the division last year means that Detroit has to play a much tougher schedule this season than they have in the past. The Lions open up 2024 with matchups against three playoff teams in their first five games, they have an incredibly early bye in Week 5, and their final five contests of the season have them facing the Packers, Buffalo Bills, Bears, San Francisco 49ers, and Vikings.

With Aaron Glenn still in control of the unit, Detroit's defense will also continue to be the team's Achilles heel. The Lions have never ranked higher than 23rd in points allowed per game under Glenn, and the team didn't do enough in the offseason to improve that side of the ball.

4. Chicago Bears

2024 Record Prediction: 8-9

Year one of the Caleb Williams experience is going to provide Chicago fans with a ton of excitement. However, Bears fans are also going to be reminded multiple times throughout the 2024 season that Williams is still just a rookie, and plenty of mistakes are going to be made.

Everyone has been raving about Chicago adding Williams, fellow rookie Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen, and D'Andre Swift to its offense this offseason. But plenty of NFL teams have proven in the past that much more is needed than just talented players to run a successful offense.

Shane Waldron is the Bears' new offensive coordinator this year, and the fan base is going to quickly find out that he wasn't available this offseason because he was good at his job.

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