The Minnesota Vikings already have emerged as one of the NFL’s biggest surprises by winning their first three games after being a consensus pick to finish last in the NFC North.

They can make their biggest statement of the young season today by winning at Green Bay in a divisional showdown.

“My challenge to the team is, once again, last Sunday means absolutely nothing,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said. “The first three games of the season mean absolutely nothing if we don’t start continuing to maintain our play style.

“Hopefully, soon enough, we can start talking about it being the standard of how we play every week.”

The Vikings (3-0) have trailed for less than 3 1/2 minutes so far this season while beating the New York Giants, defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans.

Now the Vikings open their NFC North schedule against the Packers (2-1), who have won two straight games without quarterback Jordan Love as he recovers from a knee injury.

Whether Love plays or Malik Willis fills in for a third consecutive week, the Packers understand the challenge they’ll face from a Minnesota defense that has an NFL-leading 16 sacks.

“They’re coached up very well, and they all have a great idea of where they need to be,” Love said. “I think at the end of the day, it just comes down to being able to decipher what they’re doing and then at the snap of the ball, trying to figure out, ‘Are they bluffing? Are they coming?’ Things like that. They do so much stuff that it is hard to have an idea what they’re doing pre-snap, so a lot of that stuff, you’ve just got to feel it out.”

bengals at panthers

Andy Dalton and the Panthers (1-2) are getting no respect after the veteran quarterback excelled in his first start, leading Carolina to its first victory. Joe Burrow and the Bengals (0-3) are reeling. They can’t afford another loss with their playoff hopes already on the ropes. Expect Joe Cool to come out slinging.

saints at falcons

Kirk Cousins was a missed call away from leading the Falcons (1-2) to a comeback win against the two-time defending champion Chiefs. Derek Carr and the Saints (2-1) struggled against Philadelphia after two dominant performances. New Orleans has won five of the past six games in Atlanta. But this is a revamped Falcons team with Cousins, playmakers and a strong defense.

Rams at bears

The Bears (1-2) need to run the ball better to help Caleb Williams and the offensive line must protect him. He should have success facing the league’s worst defense. The Rams (1-2) have allowed the most yards (425.7 per game) this season. Matthew Stafford, despite a depleted supporting cast, should keep the Rams close.

steelers at colts

No team wins more games playing old-school football than the Steelers (3-0). They run the ball, have a tenacious defense and Justin Fields is making enough plays without mistakes. The Colts (1-2) could learn from Pittsburgh. Anthony Richardson has only completed 49.6% of his passes this season and had five picks in the past two games. That spells doom against T.J. Watt and the Steelers.

broncos at jets

Aaron Rodgers is back to playing like a four-time MVP and the Jets (2-1) seem to just be getting started. He’ll face a stout Broncos defense this week. Bo Nix is coming off his best game, though he faced an injury-depleted defense in Tampa Bay. He still hasn’t thrown a TD pass. The point spread seems too big, making New York the play.

eagles at buccaneers

The Eagles (2-1) could be without starting wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The Buccaneers (2-1) are banged-up on defense without All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., though they’re hoping defensive tackles Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey can return. It’s a revenge game for Philadelphia after an embarrassing loss to Tampa Bay in a wild-card game last postseason.

jaguars at texans

Trevor Lawrence has regressed and the Jaguars (0-3) are in trouble after entering the season with high expectations. C.J. Stroud and the Texans (2-1) aim to rebound from a disappointing loss. Houston has dominated the series, winning 10 of the past 12 meetings. Jacksonville is desperate enough to stay close but hard to see an upset after a listless effort in Buffalo.

commanders at cardinals

Kyler Murray could have a big day throwing to Marvin Harrison Jr. against a pass defense that’s ranked 29th. It would help him if the Cardinals (1-2) could run the ball more effectively. Jayden Daniels has been impressive for the Commanders (2-1) and this game probably means a little more to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who was Arizona’s coach. Still, it’ll be hard for Washington to win on the road on a short week after a road win Monday night.

patriots at 49ers

The Super Bowl hangover is real. The 49ers (1-2) keep losing star players and games despite Brock Purdy’s best efforts. Somehow, they’re double-digit favorites against the rested Patriots (1-2). This is another game where a big line makes the home team the pick to cover the spread.

browns at raiders

The Browns (1-2) have too much talent to keep losing games. Myles Garrett is playing through injuries and his presence is enough to cause Gardner Minshew nightmares.

chiefs at chargers

Justin Herbert’s status is uncertain because of an ankle injury. With him, the Chargers (2-1) should be competitive. Without him, backup Taylor Heinicke will have to rely on a strong run game. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs (3-0) are unbeaten despite playing inconsistent ball. Jim Harbaugh’s first crack at the two-time defending Super Bowl champions is spoiled by Herbert’s uncertainty and the absence of suspended safety Derwin James.

bills at ravens

Josh Allen has been outstanding in leading the Bills (3-0) to a hot start. The Ravens (1-2) saved their season in Dallas and need Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to get rolling on the ground, control the clock and keep Allen and Co. off the field.