The Chicago Bears are clearly setting the standard for the NFC North despite being in a three-way tie for the division lead. Scoring 59 points and looking so completely dominating while playing what should be their worst defensive game of the season was incredibly telling. This is Chicago's division to lose with no reason to believe that the current division talent is going to be able to overcome what appears to be the best coaching and quarterback situation in the North.
With this in mind, let's rank the biggest threats to the Bears in the North heading into Week 2. Starting with the team who has the best chance of pulling off an upset when it comes to winning the division or head-to-head matchups.
1. Detroit Lions
Dan Campbell is 2-0 against his former offensive coordinator and the Lions simply find ways to win gritty games. Even with the clear defensive struggles they are facing the steady hand of quarterback Jared Goff and the playmaking talent garners an unquestionable level of respect. Ben Johnson needs to prove he is capable of beating his former team this season and hold off what many pundits expect to be a return to dominance.
The talent is there offensively, but the issue for the Lions continues to be secondary depth as they came into the season losing a starting corner. If these games are going to be a shootout it is easy to like Chicago's chances.
2. Minnesota Vikings
Carson Wentz having a shockingly capable performance is something that has happened more than once over the last half decade whether it was in a starting or backup role. All of the tools are there and if Wentz or Kyler Murray can be anything close to capable this team has a chance to embrace an underdog mentality and be more irritating than many fans expected.
Still, you yet again are looking at a roster with more established playmakers, but questions defensively and a quarterback situation the rest of the league has enjoyed making fun of.
3. Green Bay Packers
A team that has haunted the Bears over the last three decades being ranked in last might seem odd, but the past two games we've watched the hated rival there has been an epic collapse in the final quarter. It seems there is no ability to hold a lead and the Bears have all the momentum and confidence in the world beating the hated rival in each of their past two matchups.
It will be interesting to watch what adjustments the Packers are forced to make and whether or not this could be the start of the franchise becoming the surprise doormat of the NFC North.
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