Saturday, October 21, 2023

Detroit Lions Week 7 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 7 roundup for the Detroit Lions in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 5

Lesson learned: The Lions might be for real.

There was a ton of hype surrounding this team entering the season, based on how the Lions finished last season winning eight of their final 10 regular-season games, and they have picked up right where they left off. Detroit has started 5-1 for the first time since 2011, winning four consecutive games by double digits for the first time since 1991. The offense is averaging the fourth-most points per game (28) and the defense is allowing the seventh-fewest yards per game (285.5). The team is looking to change the losing narrative surrounding this franchise, and coach Dan Campbell has a lot to do with that. -- Eric Woodyard

NFL.com -- Rank: 4

It feels like the Lions suffer a "Wow, they can't afford to lose that guy" type of injury every game or two. In the win over Tampa on Sunday, it was David Montgomery. With Jahmyr Gibbs already inactive, that meant Detroit went the distance with Craig Reynolds and Devine Ozigbo in the backfield. But the Lions just sort of figure out games like puzzles, and they're getting good at it. Jared Goff is such a trusted caretaker -- and playmaker -- at this point that Detroit was still able to forge three scoring drives after Montgomery left. And the defense! Aaron Glenn's group has been dealt a few tough injuries, but continues to deliver statement performances. My guess is the unit's effort on Sunday more than atoned for any irritation Dan Campbell felt over allowing two fourth-quarter touchdowns to the Panthers in Week 5.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 3

Going on the road and limiting Tampa Bay to no touchdowns is a big day for their defense. This team is for real.

USA Today -- Rank: 2

They're indeed in rare air — one more win would make them 6-1 for the first time in the Super Bowl era (since 1966). And while it can be dangerous to look too far ahead, even for a team on a four-game heater, there don't appear to be many losses on the other side of Detroit's Week 9 bye. And if their RB room gets healthy, and WR Jameson Williams continues morphing into the weapon he was intended to be? Roar.

The Athletic -- Rank: 3

The Lions, who are 13-3 in their past 16 games, have won four consecutive games by 14 or more points, which is their longest such streak since 1969. The offense is leading the way, but the run defense is sneaky good (second in the NFL, allowing just 3.3 yards per carry).

Detroit jumped Philadelphia this week because its win against the Chiefs is more impressive than anything the Eagles have done this year. (For now, we're willing to overlook the fact that Detroit's win against Kansas City came with both Travis Kelce and Chris Jones out.)

FOX -- Rank: 5

I'm ready to give the Lions heavyweight status, as evidenced by the top-five ranking. They're 5-1, Jared Goff is playing like a Pro Bowler, their defense is only allowing 19 points per game and their win at Arrowhead is one of the most impressive so far this year. They're not just a cool story; they're for real.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 2

The Lions got one big play out of Jameson Williams. But it was a huge one, a 45-yard touchdown on third-and-10 that put the Lions in control of the game. They're deep enough that they don't need anything else from Williams, a 2022 first-round draft pick. They need him to be a threat and make an occasional big play. If he can do that, the Lions' offense can go to an even higher level.

PFT -- Rank: 3

Super Bowl contenders? Super Bowl contenders.

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