Power Rankings: Lions Have Best Two-Year Stretch in Franchise History

Lions are enjoying praise from NFL media for winning NFC North.

All Lions

Power ranking: 3rd

Previous rank: 3rd

The Lions are riding high after winning their first division title in 30 years. After turning the page, the team will focus their attentions on securing as high a playoff seed as possible. 

This week's game against the Cowboys will be a test for Dan Campbell's squad to see how they fare against one of the NFC's top teams. 

Playing again in primetime, Jared Goff will continue to lead the offense in scoring points and spreading the football around to many weapons. 

CBS Sports

Power ranking: 4th

Previous rank: 5th

They have won a division for the first time since 1993. They can now get ready for the playoffs, but they need to tighten up that defense.

Pro Football Talk

Power ranking: 6th

Previous rank: 8th

They’ve won the division for the first time in 30 years. Will they win a playoff game for the first time in 32?

Campbell: 'Good Chance' James Houston Starts Practice Window

The Athletic

Power ranking: 5th

Previous rank: 7th

This is probably blatant disrespect for Jared Goff, but the Lions have been built around a certain attitude, and nobody represents that attitude more than Sewell, the offensive tackle who came into the weekend as Pro Football Focus’ top-rated pass blocker and run blocker. Goff is having a great year, but we don’t think Detroit is third in the league in yards per game (394.1) without Sewell, who will have his fifth-year option picked up this offseason and then get paid after that.

Sporting News

Power ranking: 4th

Previous rank: 4th

The Lions got their running game rolling again in Minnesota to take pressure off Jared Goff, and even though their defense gave up some big plays, it came up with more in return to spark the taking of a first division title in 30 years. Detroit wants to keep its breakthrough momentum into the playoffs.

Pro Football Network

Power ranking: 9th

Previous rank: 8th

The Lions’ defense has no excuse for somehow turning Mullens over at every corner while also allowing the Vikings to consistently trot right down the field. However, they may have found themselves a player in Ifeatu Melifonwu, who has spent years playing in reserve in Detroit before being thrust into a starting safety role recently.

It appears Detroit needs to play and win track meets. The defense simply does not seem capable of consistently producing stops."

Yahoo!

Power ranking: 7th

Previous rank: 8th

No matter what happens in a few weeks, don't let it overshadow a cool and fun season for Detroit. The first division title since 1993 and the first home playoff game ever at Ford Field (opened in 2002) are reasons for celebration.

USA Today

Power ranking: 5th

Previous rank: 8th

By now, you're probably aware they're division champions for the first time in 30 years. But did you know this is the first time in the franchise's 94-season history that it's managed 20 regular-season wins over a two-year period?