Thursday, September 14, 2023

Detroit Lions Week 2 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 2 roundup for the Detroit Lions in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 7

Best debut performance: DB Brian Branch
Week 1 stats: 3 tackles, 1 pass defensed, INT, TD

Branch recognized that NFL game speed was faster than college football, but the former Alabama star looked comfortable against the Chiefs. He returned an interception for a 50-yard touchdown against one of the best offenses in the league. "It definitely gives me a boost for my confidence," Branch said during Monday's practice. "But each week is going to be a challenging week, and we've just got to keep on preparing how we did against Kansas City and just for every week moving forward, we've got to do the same thing." -- Eric Woodyard

NFL.com -- Rank: 6

Dan Campbell probably couldn't have scripted his team's road triumph over the Chiefs any better than it turned out. The Lions sent a big message to the rest of the league. Campbell's "I didn't learn anything" comment after the game might feel like a trope, but this team had me believing. Did the offense sputter a bit more than I expected against a Chris Jones-less Chiefs defense? It did. Am I worried? Not particularly, especially if Jahmyr Gibbs' role is expanded a bit more. And how about that rookie class? With Gibbs and Sam LaPorta on offense and Jack Campbell and Brian Branch on defense, those first four picks look terrific so far. This roster oozes young, exciting talent.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 10

Winning at Kansas City is a big-boy moment for this young team. That sends a message to the league that the hype might be real.

USA Today -- Rank: 5

Yes, they caught K.C. a bit short-handed. But credit Detroit for surrendering just 316 yards — a level 2022's league-worst defense kept opponents under just three times. DE Aidan Hutchinson is headed for stardom and propelling this group along the way.

The Athletic -- Rank: 7

Detroit fans are going to be nuts at the Super Bowl parade. That's how this works, right? You beat the champs, you own the belt. I mean, Jared Goff outplayed Patrick Mahomes. But seriously, the Lions, who haven't won a playoff game since 1991, are 9-2 in their last 11 games.

FOX -- Rank: 10

"This ain't the same Detroit" is the fun rallying cry, and maybe they're right. We'll see just how good the Lions are, but it's a mighty impressive first impression to knock off the defending champs at their place. An ugly, gritty win, but it signals that the Lions do in fact belong firmly in the NFC playoff discussion.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 7

The Lions are going to be at their best if they let their offensive line push around the opponent in the run game. That's what happened on a key fourth-quarter drive that led to their huge win at the Chiefs in the opener. It also covers up the Lions' biggest issue, which is quality receiver depth after Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions should feel great after Week 1, but still with some things to work on.

PFT -- Rank: 8

Honolulu blue is the new black.

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