Due to their divisional loss to the Vikings in Week 4, the Packers are technically a last-place team. And yet, in this week’s Power Rankings, they come in at No. 7 overall.

That’s because the NFC North is off to a record start with every team at 4-2 or better – the first time since 1970 that every club within a single division has won four or more in six weeks .

This is partly due to the schedule; The game between the Vikings and Packers was the only divisional matchup so far, so there will be some fluctuation. In fact, next Sunday sees a colossal NFC North clash between the Nos. 1 and 5 teams in the pecking order below, with the undefeated Vikings hosting the Aidan Hutchinson-less Lions. The rematch in Detroit takes place in Week 18, a potentially massive showdown to close out the regular season.

In a strange twist, the Bears — my lowest-ranked North team at No. 13 — won’t play their first league game of the season until Week 11 (the election is already over!) when they host the Packers at Soldier Field. The Week 18 rematch will take place at Lambeau Field and provide the opportunity for another legendary chapter in the rivalry’s storied history.

Will the North continue to overwhelm non-division opponents and dominate the 2024 NFL season? Well, as Hutchinson’s injury unfortunately demonstrated, a team’s trajectory can change in a single game. It felt dirty to move the Lions down I’ve secured a few spots in this week’s rankings after such a dominant away win, but I seriously hope I look foolish for it.