Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Detroit Lions Week 4 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 4 roundup for the Detroit Lions in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 8

Biggest issue on offense: Rushing efficiency

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. -- Eric Woodyard

NFL.com -- Rank: 7

I have a feeling the defense we saw getting worked over by Seattle in Week 2 is not going to be the unit we see for most of the season. The performance Aaron Glenn's unit put forth in Week 3 against Atlanta is more like it. Though the Falcons don't yet have a dominant offense, they pose unique challenges for many defenses. Atlanta tried attacking DBs Jerry Jacobs and Brian Branch after their Week 2 coverage challenges, but both stepped up and played well. In the Lions' first outing without C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Branch had a whale of a game; he could be one of this defense's most important players soon.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 10

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

USA Today -- Rank: 6

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 -- Rank: 7

QB confidence rating: 7

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).

FOX -- Rank: 9

The Lions took a lot of flak for their draft decisions, but those critics seem awfully quiet now. Forget about Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell for a second; unsung rookies Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch might've been the best players on the field during Detroit's domination of the Falcons.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 7

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.

PFT -- Rank: 8

Fortunately for Jared Goff, he's not paid for his leaping ability.

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