Three weeks into the 2026 NFL season, and the NFC North standings are already dishing out some serious surprises. While it’s no shock that three of the four teams boast winning records, the hierarchy within the division is far from settled, and one team is already looking like an absolute disaster.
Green Bay Is an Embarrassment
Let’s just say it: the Green Bay Packers are definitively the worst team in this division. Forget the 1-2 record, they’re a “somewhat miraculous comeback” away from being 0-3! Their drubbing at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday was embarrassing on every single level. We’re talking bottom-five team in the entire league, and honestly, who’s gonna argue? Their offense is broken, sitting 23rd in points scored, with an offensive line held together by literal scotch tape. And their defense? Somehow it might be even worse, checking in at 29th in points allowed and a dismal 30th in DVOA. It looks bad, folks, real bad.
The Top Dogs Are a Jumble
Now, the other three teams? That’s where it gets complicated. The Minnesota Vikings are sitting pretty at 3-0, and their insane defense is the big reason why, ranking first in DVOA and second in points allowed. But their offense is pretty stagnant, 30th in DVOA and 17th in scoring. Seriously, how are you 3-0 with an offense that bad? Then there are the Chicago Bears, fresh off a very impressive win over the Eagles. But don’t forget the Vikings humbled them big time in Week 2, holding them to just three points at home. And finally, the Detroit Lions have one of the most efficient offenses in football, third in scoring and eighth in DVOA. The problem? Their defense is a massive liability, dead last at 32nd in scoring and 28th in DVOA.
Who Actually Runs This Division?
Given the head-to-head win, you’ve gotta put the Vikings ahead of the Bears right now. But after that? The Lions and Bears are in a similar boat. Both teams have offenses that are going to be awesome and reliable all year long. But both of them have serious, *serious* questions about their defense. Can the Vikings’ offense ever catch up to their defense? Can the Lions or Bears figure out how to stop *anyone*? Or will the Packers somehow, magically, pull themselves out of this bottom-five hole? It’s only Week 3, but this division is already a wild ride, and we’re just getting started.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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