The Detroit Lions might have had the best week of their entire season. They got a dominant 42-17 win over the Broncos and then the Bears, Packers, Vikings, Cowboys and Eagles all lost. If the Lions can play like they did against Denver, the possibilities are endless.
Apparently nobody else saw it that way because the power rankers of the world made some weird decisions this week. Take a look:
ESPN: 6
Previous ranking: 6th
"Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson could be a head-coaching candidates this offseason as he has the Lions' offense in a great spot through 14 games. Under Johnson's playcalling, it makes sense that Detroit would attack with five receivers 70.5% of the time. The Lions have seen big production from receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kalif Raymond, Josh Reynolds, Jameson Williams and Donovan Peoples-Jones while even lining up running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery and tight ends Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright for pass routes at points. The Lions average the third-most offensive points per game, and a big part of that stems from the creativity on offense." -Eric Woodyard
The Athletic: 7th
Previous ranking: 8th
"It’s not shocking that the rookie tight end is good, but this good? LaPorta had three touchdown catches Saturday night and now has nine on the season, the fourth-most receiving touchdowns in the league. LaPorta, the No. 34 pick in the 2023 draft, already has 758 receiving yards, the sixth most by a rookie tight end in the history of the league. If he hits his average the rest of the season, he will end up third behind only Mike Ditka and Kyle Pitts." -Josh Kendall
Yahoo Sports: 8th
Previous ranking: 8th
"There was a lot of good news in the win over the Broncos, but the best news might have been Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combining for 185 rushing yards on 6.6 yards per attempt. The Broncos don't have a good run defense, but the Lions getting their running backs going again would be a great sign." -Frank Schwab
USA Today: 8th
Previous ranking: 7th
"One more win or Vikings loss – the Lions can make both those things happen in Minnesota on Sunday – means the NFC North flag will fly in Motown for the first time ever. Too bad the game's not in prime time, where Detroit has won five in a row." Nate Davis
The Sporting News: 4th
Previous ranking: 7th
"The Lions got back on track at home on Saturday with the elite running game plowing through a porous Broncos un defense. That returning development also resettled Jared Goff at home to play well and inspired the defense. They can now feel better about their playoff dangerous status as soon-to-be new division champions." -Vinnie Iyer
Pro Football Network: 8th
Previous ranking: 8th
"The Lions can clinch their first playoff berth since 2016 if the Seahawks lose on Monday night, and they’ve all but locked up the NFC North. Detroit has a three-game lead on Minnesota with three weeks to play. Although the Lions and Vikings will play twice to close the year, Dan Campbell’s club would have to collapse not to secure the division title." -Dallas Robinson
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