Power Rankings: Lions Ceiling Getting Higher
Power ranking: 3rd
Previous rank: 6th
"Detroit got back on track against a Las Vegas team they were clearly better than. Jimmy Garoppolo was under pressure from Aaron Glenn's defense all throughout the game.
While the defense shined, rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs showcased why general manager Brad Holmes invested a first round draft pick to add him to the offense. Dan Campbell knows how to push the correct buttons, as the roster earned their sixth victory of the season. Now heading into their bye week, Detroit will regroup, get healthier and continue their push to earn a spot in the playoffs and potentially the No. 1 seed in the NFC."
Power ranking: 5th
Previous rank: 6th
"There has never been one. The last time Detroit hosted a playoff game was on Jan. 8, 1994, and their home field was the Pontiac Silverdome then. The Silverdome has since been demolished, and General Motors doesn’t even make Pontiacs anymore. But the Lions are good again, and their home field was raucous for “Monday Night Football” as rookie Jahmyr Gibbs had a breakout game with a season-high 152 rushing yards. Imagine it for a playoff game. The Eagles should make sure the Lions stay in their rearview mirror."
Power ranking: 6th
Previous rank: 7th
"The Lions stumbled for a second time this season against the Ravens in Week 8 after losing earlier to the Seahawks. They got well with everything, especially the running game and defense, vs. the Raiders at home on Monday night."
Power ranking: 7th
Previous rank: 8th
"The Lions were embarrassed by Baltimore a week ago, but the NFL finds a way to humble even the best in the league. In the end, Baltimore was better that day, and sometimes a team is a bad matchup for another.
They needed a clean win against the Raiders to get back into the good graces of evaluators after losing handily to Lamar Jackson and Co. a week ago. As long as the Lions remain healthy, they will walk away with the NFC North."
Power ranking: 8th
Previous rank: 9th
"Goff is in the midst of one of the best stretches of his career with the Lions atop the NFC North standings. Lions general manager Brad Holmes has surrounded the former No. 1 overall pick with many new players, including rookie tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Goff has 2,174 passing yards and 12 touchdowns to five interceptions through the first eight games. He said his game has evolved with more reps and by maturing as a player since arriving in Detroit in 2021."
Power ranking: 9th
Previous rank: 8th
"They bounced back in a big way against the Raiders, although they did leave points on the field. Against a good team, that will kill them. Jahmyr Gibbs was outstanding."
Power ranking: 5th
Previous rank: 6th
"Jahmyr Gibbs went off for 189 total yards. Every week, it seems the Lions' ceiling gets higher. And if you take a look at the Lions' easy remaining schedule, much like the Jaguars in the AFC, they're positioned very well to make a run at a No. 1 seed."
Power ranking: 7th
Previous rank: 6th
"Their fourth consecutive prime-time win, extending to last season's regular-season finale, is their best since the AFL and NFL merged in 1970. Monday night's win was Detroit's first under the lights at Ford Field since 2018, and it happened in dominant fashion as the Lions outgained the Raiders by more than 300 yards."
Power ranking: 8th
Previous rank: 7th
"After allowing the Raiders to hang around for a half, the Lions reclaimed their ability to suffocate opponents on the ground. Jahmyr Gibbs has never looked more comfortable, and we are starting to better understand the breadth of his move set. I have not seen a rookie running back move as well in heavy traffic as Gibbs, who has the heavy shoulder to gain the extra yard, but can also pick up extra grass with a subtle head move and upfield cut. Credit to the Lions offensive staff and Gibbs, who worked through some early discomfort."
