Lions Tumble in Power Rankings, Skepticism Growing

The Lions fell after losing to Green Bay Packers.

All Lions

Power ranking: 5th

Previous rank: 2nd

The Detroit Lions weaknesses have started to be exposed by their opponents the past couple of weeks. 

An injury to a key member of the defense will potentially force Jack Campbell into a different role the next couple of weeks. 

While I fully expect Detroit to solve their turnover issues, their lack of a pass-rush may end up being their Achilles heel the rest of the season. 

Bleacher Report

Power ranking: 8th

Previous rank: 3rd

The Detroit Lions took to the gridiron at a raucous Ford Field on Thanksgiving Day with their best record at this point in the season in 60 years. With a chance to sweep the Green Bay Packers and show that they are head and shoulders better than any team in the NFC North.

They left the field facing serious questions about their viability as a Super Bowl contender.

The Athletic

Power ranking: 7th

Previous rank: 3rd

Even Jared Goff’s most ardent fans get nervous this time of year, and Goff wasn’t great Thursday against the Packers. Still, in an off game, he produced 332 yards, two touchdowns and a 103.6 passer rating. The Lions play the Saints, Bears, Broncos and Vikings (twice) down the stretch. If Detroit can get home-field advantage, it can make a run with this offense, which ranks second in the league in yardage (405.5).

Sporting News

Power ranking: 8th

Previous rank: 4th

"The Lions were rare strong home favorites on Thanksgiving, only to meet a familiar losing result against the Packers. They are still looking good with the running game and underneath passing game, but Jared Goff is off when there are pressure leaks and the young defense is experiencing more breakdowns." 

Why Lions Are 'More Encouraged' after Packers Loss

Pro Football Network

Power ranking: 7th

Previous rank: 3rd

"Jared Goff is floundering. Goff is an excellent passer, but he cannot necessarily overcome a poor environment. He does a good job operating around the pocket and avoiding pressure, but he does not possess the ability to create. He’s turning the ball over too much, and those turnovers were a significant reason why Detroit lost again on Thanksgiving."

ESPN

Power ranking: 7th

Previous rank: 4th

The numbers tell a tale of two teams. For the second year in a row, the Lions' offense is among the best in the league, averaging the second-most yards per game (405.5), while the defense ranks among the bottom -- despite showing flashes of their potential. The Lions excel offensively with a plethora of options to score from rushing to passing, while the defense lacks in the secondary and pass rush, notably against mobile quarterbacks. The Lions are allowing their opponents to score a touchdown in the red zone 68.6% of the time -- the third-worst mark in the league. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp has the Lions performing among the best in that department with his coaching creativity. The Lions, who sit atop the NFC North, can still get better.

Yahoo!

Power ranking: 5th

Previous rank: 3rd

The poor outing against the Bears didn't turn out to be a blip. The Lions have looked bad in two straight games, both at home against losing teams, and are lucky to be 1-1 out of it. It starts with being very sloppy with the ball and turning it over. The Lions have an easy schedule coming up and they're unlikely to blow the division or anything, but that dream of getting the NFC's No. 1 seed probably died with the loss to the Packers.

USA Today

Power ranking: 7th

Previous rank: 6th

They've surrendered nearly 100 points and more than 1,100 yards in the three games since their Week 9 bye. Hopefully Detroit's D found the necessary adjustments in the post-Thanksgiving mini-bye as the team prepares to hit the road four of the next five weeks.