In their first NFC North matchup of the 2024 season, the Minnesota Vikings managed to escape Lambeau Field with a 31-29 win over the Green Bay Packers this past Sunday.
Despite the Vikings jumping out to a 28-0 lead in the first half, it turned out to be another classic contest between the two division rivals, with Minnesota holding on for the two-point victory.
With the Vikings remaining unbeaten after Week 4, they're still the clear No. 1 in the NFC North. But where do the other three teams in the division deserve to be ranked after the first month of the 2024 season?
Minnesota Vikings still on top in the NFC North power rankings after Week 4 win over Green Bay Packers
1. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 4-0
Week 4 Result: 31-29 win over the Green Bay Packers
Even though the finish wasn't pretty, a win is a win in the NFL, and Minnesota still went into Green Bay and emerged with a victory in Week 4. It was an impressive win, no matter how it was achieved.
Next for the Vikings is a matchup against a former longtime NFC North nemesis in Aaron Rodgers when Minnesota travels to London, England, to take on the All-Pro quarterback and the New York Jets next Sunday.
Week 5 Matchup: In London vs. the New York Jets (2-2)
2. Detroit Lions
Record: 3-1
Week 4 Result: 42-29 win over the Seattle Seahawks
After losing their previous home game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions put on a much better performance in front of their diehard fans on Monday night. Detroit put up 42 points on a Seahawks team that hadn't allowed more than 20 points in any of their first three games this season.
On Monday, the Lions looked much closer to the team that made it all the way to the NFC Championship last season. The win over Seattle will certainly make the upcoming bye week much more enjoyable for Detroit.
Week 5 Matchup: Bye
3. Green Bay Packers
Record: 2-2
Week 4 Result: 31-29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Love returned under center for the Packers this past Sunday for the first time since Week 1, but it wasn't enough to get a win over the Vikings. Multiple self-inflicted wounds by Love and Green Bay during the matchup proved to just be too much to overcome against Minnesota.
The Packers will look to get things back on track in Week 5 when they take on an underwhelming Los Angeles Rams team. The Rams have already ruled out All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp for the game, so that should certainly help Green Bay's chances of getting a victory.
Week 5 Matchup: Away at the Los Angeles Rams (1-3)
4. Chicago Bears
Record: 2-2
Week 4 Result: 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams
For the first time all season, the Bears were able to take some of the pressure off rookie quarterback Caleb Williams by successfully running the ball. Chicago finished their Week 4 contest with 131 rushing yards, their highest single-game total of 2024 so far, and guess what? It led to the team earning its second victory of the year.
In Week 5, the Bears should have a good chance to improve their record to 3-2, as they will host a dreadful Carolina Panthers team inside Soldier Field.
Week 5 Matchup: Home vs. the Carolina Panthers (1-3)
