Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: 49ers surge in Week 3, while Saints fall

By Peter Panacy

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 15: Richie James #13 and Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after Goodwin made a catch for a first down in the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 15: Richie James #13 and Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after Goodwin made a catch for a first down in the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 15: Za’Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers reacts in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on September 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 15: Za’Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers reacts in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on September 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

49. . 2-0. Previous: . Green Bay Packers. 4. team

W, 21-16 vs. Vikings

While any focus surrounding the Packers is going to naturally gravitate towards quarterback Aaron Rodgers, it’s the Packers defense which should be garnering a lot of attention two weeks into the 2019 season.

A week after holding the Bears to a mere three points, Green Bay enjoyed shutting down another division rival, the Vikings, and this suddenly impressive defensive unit managed to pick off Kirk Cousins twice, while also forcing three fumbles — two of which were recovered.

Sure, Minnesota managed to outgain the Packers 421 yards to 335. But forcing those turnovers mattered a lot, proving to be the difference and sending Green Bay to a 2-0 start this season.

On an afternoon when Rodgers passed for just over 200 yards, albeit with two touchdowns, it’s impressive to see the Packers defense make up the difference.

If that winds up being the formula this season, Green Bay should have an excellent chance challenging the Bears for the NFC North crown, potentially riding those efforts deep into the playoffs.