The NFC North has been the most competitive division through the first seven weeks of the 2025 season. It is the only NFL division with each team at .500 or better. There have been six division games played, and the remaining will hold weight as each team makes a push for the playoffs. Early on, the Detroit Lions are the best team in the division. The Packers, Bears, and Vikings must be on top of their game as the season progresses. Here are the NFC North divisional power rankings heading into week eight.
1. Detroit Lions Record: 5-2 (Last Week’s Ranking: 1)
Jared Goff
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) makes a pass against Green Bay Packers during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
By winning percentage, Detroit sits second in the NFC North, but they are clearly the best team in the division. Through seven weeks, the Lions’ defense is 8th in yards per game, 4th in turnover ratio, 3rd in sacks, and 1st in forced fumbles. Detroit’s defense has been one of the NFL’s best.
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The Lions’ offense has been as dominant as the defense. They currently rank 9th in yards allowed per game, 3rd in points per game, and tied for 1st in total touchdowns. Entering the season, there were questions surrounding the new offensive and defensive coordinators. Detroit has put those questions to rest and is currently favored to win the division.
2. Green Bay Packers Record: 4-1-1 (Last Week’s Ranking: 2)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love celebrates after winning a game against the Washington Commanders.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love celebrates after winning a game against the Washington Commanders – Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Green Bay has yet to achieve a victory by dominating both sides of the ball, but currently sit with one loss on the season. As the offense continues to progress, the high-octane defense continues to be a problem for opposing teams. The defense ranks 6th in yards allowed per game, 10th in points allowed per game, and tied for 7th in sacks.
The Packers defense continues to keep the team in games. Offensively, the team has searched for consistent production week after week, but ranks 7th in points per game. Running back Josh Jacobs has been the team’s offensive catalyst, ranking 2nd in the NFL with eight rushing touchdowns.
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3. Chicago Bears Record: 4-2 (Last Week’s Ranking: 4)
Williams was sacked nine times in Chicago's loss to the New England Patriots
Nov 10, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to pass against the New England Patriots during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images | Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Throughout the first few weeks, Chicago’s offense looked out of whack, but the defense continued to force turnovers. Following the BYE week, the team seems to have solved their inability to run the ball effectively. They enter week eight with running back D’Andre Swift coming off back-to-back games with 100+ rushing yards. The ability to run the ball effectively will help their developing passing game.
The Bears’ defense has been a menace through seven weeks. They rank 1st in turnover ratio, 1st in interceptions, 2nd in fumble recoveries, and 6th in passing yards allowed. Once the offense becomes more complete, it will join the defense in the ability to see the team reach the playoffs.
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4. Minnesota Vikings Record: 3-3 (Last Week’s Ranking: 3)
Oct 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Sitting at 3-3, Minnesota has shown the ability to withstand the number of injuries they’ve endured. The team has been without quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Aaron Jones for the past few weeks and have kept their last two losses within one score. Offensively, the team is ranked in the middle of the pack. Offensive line issues and injuries have plagued their passing and rushing attacks. However, Carson Wentz has kept the team in games while starting for injured quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Offseason acquisition Jordan Mason has been Minnesota’s most effective running back even when Aaron Jones has been active. The defense has improvements to make. They’ve taken a step back after finishing last season as one of the NFL’s best in takeaways. This season, Minnesota’s defense ranks 25th in takeaways.
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