Power Rankings: Jared Goff's Performance 'Thing of Beauty'

Examining where Detroit Lions stand amongst NFL after Week 3.

The Detroit Lions bounced back strongly from a tough loss with a big win in Week 3 of the 2023 NFL season. Led by a menacing effort from the defense, the Lions reclaimed their mojo with a 20-6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. 

Here is where the Lions stand amongst the league in recent NFL power rankings:

Sports Illustrated

Power ranking: 8th

Previous rank: 10th

"Jared Goff’s throw to Amon-Ra St. Brown before the half was a thing of beauty, and emblematic of the fact that he’s a legitimate top-10 passer in this league. The Lions’ pass rush came alive against a shaky and, surprisingly, not overschemed Desmond Ridder. While Goff’s fourth quarter interception was costly, Dan Campbell could finally lean on a situation where his defense could provide the counter punch." 

Sporting News

Power ranking: 6th

Previous rank: 8th

"The Lions' defense made a statement in Week 1 at Kansas City before crashing vs. Seattle in Week 2. Aidan Hutchinson and friends rose to the occasion in ripping the one-dimensional Falcons and making it a simpler outing for Jared Goff."

Pro Football Network

Power ranking: 9th

Previous rank: 11th

"Jahmyr Gibbs’ explosiveness is perverse. He absolutely explodes at the first and second levels with the ball in his hands. He will be a fantastic piece for the Lions down the stretch, particularly once David Montgomery returns, and they can maximize that explosiveness with a lighter workload.

Meanwhile, only four players were targeted on a pass for the Lions today. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught nine passes, while Sam LaPorta caught eight, Kalif Raymond caught four, and Gibbs caught one."

ESPN

Power ranking: 8th

Previous rank: 8th

"The Lions' offense is off to yet another strong start, scoring 20 or more points in 12 straight games dating back to last season. However, the ground attack could be more efficient. Yes, the Lions are averaging the 11th-most rushing yards per game (111.7) through Week 3, but it has taken them a lot of carries with just 3.6 yards per rush attempt (ranked 25th in NFL). Veteran David Montgomery (thigh) was sidelined for Sunday's victory over the Atlanta Falcons, while rookie Jahmyr Gibbs is still trying to find a groove. "He'll only get better with time, and with reps he just will," Lions coach Dan Campbell said of Gibbs."

Jared Goff keeps it for the @Lions TD

📺: #ATLvsDET on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UQdQ05hqXN pic.twitter.com/zO0rGJNbM3

— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2023

CBS Sports

Power ranking: 10th

Previous rank: 18th

"That was a nice bounce-back victory against the Falcons. The defense came up big in that game in dominating the day."

Yahoo!

Power ranking: 7th

Previous rank: 8th

"Sam LaPorta is the real deal. He has an 18-186-1 line through three games, which is excellent for a rookie tight end. When the Lions traded T.J. Hockenson, it seemed weird. Hockenson is playing very well with the Vikings and his value was shown when he signed the largest deal for a tight end in NFL history. But it turns out the Lions got a good replacement and for the next few years will pay LaPorta a fraction of what Hockenson makes. That's smart business."

USA Today

Power ranking: 6th

Previous rank: 9th

"How scary could this defense get? It's posted seven sacks twice in the past five games, something Detroit hadn't done previously since 2014. But might have to temper expectations in Week 4, given the Lions are already playing their second Thursday night game and against infrequently bagged Pack QB Jordan Love (3 sacks taken)."

The Athletic

Power ranking: 7th

Previous rank: 13th

"In Year 8, Jared Goff has found his people. Lions general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have thrown their full support behind Goff, and so far this year he is fifth in the league in passing yards (819) and sixth in passer rating (101.6)."