GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 22: Za'Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with Kyler Fackrell #51 of the Green Bay Packers after his tackled in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Lambeau Field on September 22, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Three takeaways from Packers’ win vs. Broncos in Week 3 by Freddie Boston

After their third straight victory, the Green Bay Packers remain in first place of the NFC North, and they are the only team in the division with a perfect record.

The Packers were comfortable winners in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, with the defense forcing three turnovers.

But Green Bay’s win was matched by the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings. The Lions held on to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-24, improving to 2-0-1. The Vikings bounced back from last week’s loss at Lambeau Field with a dominant 34-14 win against the Oakland Raiders.

It means the Packers remain half a game ahead of the Lions in first place, and one game ahead of the Vikings.

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First, the Chicago Bears will play their Week 3 game on Monday night against the Washington Redskins. If they win, they’ll match the Vikings’ 2-1 record and pull within a game of the Packers. But it’s a game Chicago can’t afford to lose, as they’d already be a way behind Green Bay in the division, and the Packers would have the chance to pull further ahead with a win on Thursday night.

Green Bay’s next game is in four days time against Philadelphia, a team dealing with a number of injuries. The short week will also help the Packers as they are at home.

The Vikings and Bears meet at Solider Field next weekend.

From a Packers’ perspective, they have the chance to go 4-0 with a win on Thursday. They would then be at least two games ahead of either the Bears or Vikings after next week.

The Lions have another tough game next week at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Lions remain undefeated, but that could change at Ford Field in Week 4.

So far, all four teams in the NFC North have to be considered in playoff contention, and it could be a close competition all season long.