The Detroit Lions' surprise player shines

The Detroit Lions moved to 2-1 with a win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. They were one of three teams in the NFC North Division to earn a win last week, with the Chicago Bears suffering the only loss.

After three weeks, the Minnesota Vikings are the only undefeated team in the division. Detroit and Green Bay are each 2-1, while the Chicago Bears are 1-2.

Here's a look at the state of every team in the NFC North, with input from team editors across the division.

Detroit Lions

NFC North rankings: Lions, Vikings, Packers, Bears

Lions vs. Seahawks (8:15 p.m., Monday, Ford Field)

A player who went under the radar for three weeks: Safety Kerby Joseph is quickly rising up the rankings of better safeties in the NFC. Joseph has always been known as a takeaway machine and has progressed after freelancing too much earlier in his career. He has two interceptions in the first three games of the season and has paired well with Brian Branch after the Alabama player moved from nickel cornerback to safety.

An opposing player to fear in Week 4: Seattle as a team has given the Lions nightmares in recent years. Dan Campbell is 0-3 against the Seahawks, including a crushing home loss in Week 2 last season. Wide receiver DK Metcalf has caused the Lions plenty of problems in his three games against them, catching a total of 19 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns. The Lions' secondary faces another tough test against Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. —John Maakaron, Lions On SI.

Minnesota Vikings

NFC North Rankings: Vikings, Lions, Packers, Bears

Week 4: Vikings at Packers (1 p.m., Sunday, Lambeau Field)

A player who went under the radar for three weeks: LG Blake Brandel. Brandel won the starting job in training camp and made it clear for three weeks that he wasn't giving it up. Brandel has allowed one pressure in 95 pass-blocking snaps (no sacks, no QB hits). Additionally, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the league's fifth-best run blocker over the past three weeks.

An opposing player to fear in Week 4: Can we take a bus here? Frankly, Matt LaFleur should scare the Vikings as much as anyone else on the Green Bay roster. Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores talked about LaFleur this week, and if there's an offensive mind who can crack Flores' code, it could be the guy running the show at Lambeau. However, Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy were dizzy by Minnesota's defense. If this combination couldn't solve the puzzle, then who can? LaFleur and (presumably) Jordan Love face a big test. —Joe Nelson, Vikings On SI.

Green Bay Packers

NFC North standings: Vikings, lions, packers, bears

Week 4: Packers vs. Vikings (1 p.m., Sunday, Lambeau Field)

A player who went under the radar for three weeks: RT Zach Tom. Since he was a fourth-round draft pick, Tom will likely never get the recognition he deserves as a premier offensive tackle. But Tom is one of the best in the business. In three games, he has allowed exactly zero quarterback pressure. He is on a 10-game streak without allowing a sack. The Vikings' Jonathan Greenard, who has four sacks, plays mostly left defense, so it's going to be a big matchup.

An opposing player to fear in Week 4: On Monday, Packers coach Matt LaFleur was asked about Aaron Jones. “WHO?” LaFleur replied. It was a tough answer. Jones was a player with heart and soul for the Packers. When he was finally healthy at the end of last season, his dominance helped the Packers reach the playoffs. Jones is fourth in yards per carry (5.4) and second in yards after contact (4.0). —Bill Huber, Packers On SI.

Chicago Bears

NFC North rankings: Lions, Packers, Vikings, Bears

Week 4: Bears vs. Rams (Sunday, 1 p.m., Soldier Field)

One player flew under the radar for three weeks: Safety Kevin Byard. Much of the talk in Philadelphia suggested Byard was moving on after he had a poor second half last year when he was traded from the Titans to the Eagles, but Byard was a steady force at the back of the Bears' defense last year was missing. He allowed 20 yards, missed a tackle and posted an 85.4 passer rating against targets. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks 13th among all NFL safeties.

An opposing player to fear in Week 4: It's Matthew Stafford. Even without the injured Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua and with a largely unmentionable group of backup players, the Rams' QB is a threat to win because of his experience. He did it last week against the 49ers in comeback style. With 45 game-winning drives and 36 fourth-quarter comebacks, Stafford is one of the most agile QBs of modern times and has had to play without or with good receivers. He beat the Bears in LA in 2021 and is 12-9 against them, with 20 starts coming with the Lions. —Gene Chamberlain, Bears On SI.