Power Rankings: Lions No. 2 Team in NFL

Lions are just behind the Eagles in recent power rankings.

All Lions

Power ranking: 2nd

Previous rank: 3rd

The Detroit Lions did not play a clean game against their division rival. But, the sign of a great football team is its ability to scratch and claw its way to victory. 

If Detroit cleans up its mistakes offensively, the team will continue its winning ways. While it was not the best defensive performance, Aidan Hutchinson made the key play to secure the victory against the Chicago Bears. 

CBS Sports

Power ranking: 2nd

Previous rank: 3rd

"They had to rally to beat a so-so Bears team at home, which isn't a good sign. But the fact they did it shows they are a truly a good team."

Sports Illustrated 

Power ranking: 4th

Previous rank: 4th

"An inspiring comeback for the Lions, who continue to remain themselves during moments of adversity, while also riding the tailwind of a distinct coaching edge. At the end of Sunday’s game against the Bears, when needing a game-winning touchdown, Detroit didn’t have to do, really, anything different. Jared Goff was the most comfortable we’ve seen him all afternoon despite throwing three picks."

The Athletic

Power ranking: 3rd

Previous rank: 3rd

"The Lions scored 17 points in the final 2:59 Sunday, and it’s that offense that makes them so dangerous. They are second in the league in yards per game (399.6) and fifth in scoring (27.2) but only 17th in red-zone touchdown efficiency (52.9 percent) so there’s still room for growth. The Lions, who are 16-4 in their last 20, haven’t started a season this well since 1962."

Sporting News

Power ranking: 4th

Previous rank: 3rd

"The Lions didn't look good with Jared Goff turnovers for most of the game vs. Chicago, also having more defensive breakdowns. But credit them for digging deep late and making the plays needed to win, a sign of a strong, complete playoff team."

Alim McNeill: 'My Offseason Results Are Starting to Show'

Pro Football Network

Power ranking: 3rd

Previous rank: 3rd

"Jared Goff turned into a pumpkin against the Bears on Sunday, but the Detroit Lions battled for four quarters to overcome a multi-score deficit in the final 15 minutes to beat their division rivals.

Aidan Hutchinson sealed the game with a beautiful rush that resulted in a strip-sack of Justin Fields, who played relatively well in his first action back from his injury. Considering the issues Detroit had defending the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens, a big day from Fields shouldn’t have been surprising."

ESPN

Power ranking: 4th

Previous rank: 4th

"The Lions are off to their best start since 1962, and sitting comfortably atop the NFC North standings in position to win their first division title since 1993. Goff has been a major factor this season, as he has continued to revitalize his career under coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Goff has 2,743 passing yards through 10 games this season as well as 16 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. The next thing he has to prove is whether he can lead the team in the playoffs."

Yahoo!

Power ranking: 3rd

Previous rank: 3rd

"The Lions were incredibly sloppy on Sunday and that's concerning. Jared Goff threw three interceptions, his most this season (he had thrown just five in Detroit's first nine games). It happens. The takeaway is that Detroit won anyway. You'd like to play great every week, but that's not realistic and there's something to be said about winning with your C- or D+ game."

USA Today

Power ranking: 6th

Previous rank: 6th

"A team that has zero NFC North crowns to its credit has won seven consecutive divisional games for the first time since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. They can run that streak to eight on Thanksgiving by beating Green Bay."