All the Chicago Bears did on Thursday was trade for one of the very best defensive players in the sport in Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans. The Bears primarily gave up two first-round picks for the move, and while that does seem like an overpay (it is), the Bears are in an all-in window.
If Chicago is hoisting the Lomardi Trophy in February, no one one is going to care about those picks. Simmons brings four Pro Bowls, 46.5 sacks, and 96 quarterback hits to a Bears defense that could use the interior pressure and his ability against the run.
Now that this move is done, let's dive into a quick look at some NFC North power rankings.
Updated NFC North rankings following behemoth Jeffery Simmons trade
4. Green Bay Packers, 4-3
The Green Bay Packers are sitting at 4-3 entering Thursday Night Football against the Carolina Panthers, a game they should win. The main thing the Packers have gone through this year are a ton of injuries, and it's simply going to be about how 'not low' this team can get.
They do seem to have a high floor, if nothing else, but the injuries they have dealt with are likely going to cap their success this year. Still a team good enough to sneak into the playoffs as a Wild Card, the Packers are No. 4 in our power rankings, perhaps the 'best' last-ranked team in a division in the NFL.
3. Detroit Lions, 4-2
The Detroit Lions come in at No. 3 in our NFC North power rankings. Kerby Joseph is back at practice, so the Lions could be approaching a period of time where the defense is finally getting its 'top dogs' back. The Lions are No. 3 in our power rankings but do have someone in Jared Goff who might just be the best quarterback in the sport this year.
You still naturally have concerns about this defense, as we have seen this team struggle to contain opposing offenses, and they simply have not earned the benefit of the doubt at this point.
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