Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Detroit Lions Week 12 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Detroit Lions rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 32 (32nd)
  • Best ranking: 32 (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 32 (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 12 roundup for the Lions in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 32

Most memorable Thanksgiving game: Lions blow out Bears 55-20 on Nov. 27, 1997

In Motown, the annual Turkey Day classic almost has a local Super Bowl-type feel to it, with the buildup, tradition and excitement among loyal fans -- which initially started in 1934. But even in the present day, it's hard to mention the Lions franchise without it being highlighted by a legendary moment from Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders. The 1997 Thanksgiving Day game was one of those special moments at the Pontiac Silverdome, where his 167 rushing yards and three touchdowns helped the Lions beat the Chicago Bears 55-20. Sanders helped Detroit come from behind with big touchdown runs of 40, 25 and 15 yards after the Lions trailed 17-3 in the first half. -- Eric Woodyard

NFL.com -- Rank: 32

The Lions will take the field on Thanksgiving as a winless team for the third time in franchise history. Detroit fought hard in a 13-10 loss to the Browns, but extreme effort that ends in defeat is the type of Groundhog Day outcome that must wear on a locker room when it happens over three straight months. D'Andre Swift has been a bright spot, but it's clear the Lions don't have their future quarterback currently on the roster. Tim Boyle did very little in his opportunity to start in place of an injured Jared Goff, and David Blough's third-string status is a damning indictment of his own place in the NFL firmament. Just win (one), baby.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 32

They competed at Cleveland with a backup quarterback, which is a good sign. They might play backup Tim Boyle again Thursday.

USA Today -- Rank: 32

Now that Houston's latest victory has all but secured No. 1 pick of the 2022 draft for Detroit, will the Lions reach for one of the quarterback prospects? Or just play it safe by snagging another Oregon product, DE Kayvon Thibodeaux in this case?

The Athletic -- Rank: 32

Best side dish: Is it too early to say Kayvon Thibodeaux? Maybe their best side dish is the Bears, who come to town for Thanksgiving in what may be Detroit's best remaining chance to win and avoid an 0-16-1 season. But D'Andre Swift is really good. He ranks seventh among running backs in all-purpose yards, notching 555 on the ground and 420 through the air.

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