Lions Roar to the Top of NFC North as Week 13 Standings Deliver an Unbelievable Twist Fans Didn’t See Coming.QQ
IMAGE: Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni speaks with Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson after the game at Lincoln Financial Field. / Eric Hartline / Imagn Images
NFC North Power Rankings After Week 13: Bears Rising, Lions Reeling, and a Division Turned Upside Down
The NFC North has long been one of the NFL’s most rugged and competitive divisions – but this year, it’s not just competitive, it’s unpredictable. As we roll into Week 13, the standings look nothing like what we expected back in September. The parity across the league has never been more evident, and nowhere is that more true than in this division, where preseason favorites are slipping and surprise contenders are taking control.
Three of the four NFC North squads were in action over the Thanksgiving weekend, and those results shook up the division in a big way. The Detroit Lions, once seen as the team to beat, are suddenly sliding, while the Chicago Bears continue to stack wins and build momentum. Let’s break down where each team stands right now in the updated NFC North power rankings.
4. Minnesota Vikings
It’s been a tough season in Minneapolis. The Vikings came into the year with a roster built to compete, but the quarterback situation has completely unraveled. With JJ McCarthy sidelined due to a concussion, Max Brosmer is stepping in as the starter – a move that underscores just how far this team has fallen at the most important position on the field.
What was once a strength has turned into a glaring weakness. McCarthy has struggled mightily in his rookie campaign, and the Vikings’ offense has suffered because of it.
Despite having a roster that looked playoff-ready on paper, Minnesota just hasn’t been able to put it together. Now, with the season slipping away, the front office may have to take a hard look at the quarterback room again this offseason – something fans were hoping wouldn’t be necessary so soon.
3. Detroit Lions
The Lions were supposed to be the NFC North’s powerhouse this year. But after a hot start, Detroit has cooled off dramatically, and their latest loss may have slammed the door shut on their division hopes. Sitting at 7-5, they’re currently on the outside looking in when it comes to the NFC playoff picture – and the margin for error is gone.
The absence of former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been a bigger blow than many anticipated. The offense, once explosive and creative, has looked pedestrian at times this season.
Despite a roster loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, coaching inconsistencies have been a recurring issue – and they’re proving too much to overcome. If Detroit wants to claw its way back into the postseason mix, they may need to run the table the rest of the way.
2. Green Bay Packers
Don’t look now, but the Packers are right in the thick of the NFC North race. At 8-3-1, they’re just a half-game behind the division-leading Bears, and they’ve already picked up a massive win over Detroit on Thanksgiving – a result that might have effectively ended the Lions’ title hopes.
The Packers’ tie with Dallas complicates the standings a bit, but it could end up being a crucial tiebreaker when all is said and done. What’s clear is that Green Bay is playing confident football.
Their defense is making timely plays, and the offense is doing just enough to stay in games and close them out. With the division still very much within reach, the Packers are in a strong position heading into the final stretch.
1. Chicago Bears
From 0-2 to 9-1 – the Bears are one of the best stories in the league this season. First-year head coach Ben Johnson has turned this team into a legitimate contender, and his name is already being floated in Coach of the Year conversations – and for good reason.
Chicago isn’t dominating every week, but they’ve mastered the art of winning close games. They’re closing out tight contests, making clutch plays when it matters most, and showing resilience that wasn’t there in recent years. It’s not always pretty, but it’s effective – and that’s what matters in November and December.
With momentum on their side and the rest of the division chasing, the Bears have earned the top spot in the NFC North power rankings. Whether they can hold onto it as the pressure ramps up remains to be seen, but right now, they’re the team to beat.
Final Word
The NFC North has flipped the script in 2025. The Bears are surging, the Packers are lurking, the Lions are reeling, and the Vikings are searching for answers.
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, this division still has plenty of drama to offer – and the playoff picture is far from settled. Buckle up.
