Week eleven produced outcomes that shook up the NFC North rankings. Chicago’s win moved them atop the division, while Detroit’s loss moved the team into third. The NFC North has seven divisional games left, and the race for the crown is heating up. The divisional power rankings are set to shake up throughout the remaining weeks with playoff hopes on the line. Here are the NFC North power rankings heading into Week 12.
4. Minnesota Vikings Record: 4-6 (Last Week’s Ranking: 4)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts after a play during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts after a play during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium – Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The season has turned into a struggle for the Vikings. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a rough go-around in three games, following a five-game absence. The young quarterback is searching for consistency while relying on the team’s running game to kickstart the offense. A strong defense is a young quarterback’s best friend, and unlike last season, Minnesota’s defense isn’t creating turnovers. Three of Minnesota’s remaining seven games are against division opponents, and their playoff window is quickly closing.
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3. Detroit Lions Record: 6-4 (Last Week’s Ranking: 1)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff makes a pass against Tennessee Titans during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit
The Lions will play one of their three outdoor games today | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Detroit’s week eleven loss is a tough pill to swallow. The defense kept them in the game, but their offense struggled to move the ball into the red zone. If the season ended today, the Lions would miss the playoffs following last weekend’s loss. However, Detroit is too talented and will rebound quickly. Of the team’s remaining schedule, three are against division opponents, and Detroit will look for revenge against Green Bay and Minnesota. The Lions’ remaining games are winnable, with the toughest test being a December 14th matchup with the Rams. The team should be expected to bounce back during Sunday’s contest against the Giants.
2. Green Bay Packers Record: 6-3-1 (Last Week’s Ranking: 3)
Jordan Love
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) warms up prior to a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Packers improved their record to 6-3-1 during Sunday’s victory over the Giants. Green Bay’s offense was satisfactory but still lacked the conviction of having an identity. Luckily, the team’s defense continues to perform as one of the league’s best and keeps the team in each game. Green Bay’s remaining schedule doesn’t get easier as five of its remaining seven games are against division rivals. The season-ending loss of Tucker Kraft won’t be easy to overcome, but the team must find consistency from its offense. The Packers’ failure to reach the playoffs will come down to the offense never finding its groove during the season. No one saw offense struggles being part of the Packers’ flaws this late into the 2025 season.
1. Chicago Bears Record: 7-3 (Last Week’s Ranking: 2)
Nov 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) scores the game-winning touchdown against New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Bears sit atop the NFC North. The team has won seven of eight and continues to find ways late in games. The inability to defend against opposing running games is still a problem and could hinder the team during their final seven games. The remaining schedule features matchups against Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Green Bay, Cleveland, San Francisco, and Detroit. Each opponent possesses strong rushing attacks, and Chicago must sell out against the run. The Bears’ seat atop the NFC North could be short-lived if defensive fixes aren’t administered.
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