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Power Rankings: Are Lions Second-Best Team Remaining in Playoffs?

Eight teams remain in the NFL playoffs.
Power Rankings: Are Lions Second-Best Team Remaining in Playoffs?
Power Rankings: Are Lions Second-Best Team Remaining in Playoffs?

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All Lions

Power ranking: 3rd

Previous rank: 3rd

Out of the remaining playoff teams, Detroit lands only behind the 49ers and Ravens. 

Detroit's roster should be feeling an extremely high level of confidence, as they were able to overcome a significant hurdle by defeating the Rams to advance in the postseason. 

Another home game against the Buccaneers awaits Dan Campbell's squad, as they have a legitimate opportunity to land in the NFC Title game. 

Sporting News

Power ranking: 5th 

Previous rank: 7th

The Lions got Jared Goff to play confident and well at home, avoiding critical mistakes. They also ran hard and well at key times in a tough spot vs. the Rams. Getting the pass rush and red zone prowess from the young defense will be key again. The good news for Goff is staying at home to get the Buccaneers, whom the Lions beat 20-6 in Tampa during the regular season.

Dan Campbell: 'Stay Off Our Train, It's Too Late For You'

Pro Football Network

Power ranking: 4th

Previous rank: 6th

The Lions completed their miraculous turnaround on Sunday by winning their first playoff game in over 30 years. Detroit’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams ended up being the best contest of the weekend as the Lions held on for a tight 24-23 victory.

While the Lions can match points with anyone, the team’s defense is still an issue.

Detroit only gave up 23 points, but it allowed the Rams to post 425 total yards at 7.7 yards per clip. Fortunately, the Lions won’t have to face Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford next week. A Divisional Round game against either the Eagles or Bucs will offer a reprieve for Detroit’s defense.

Yahoo!

Power ranking: 5th

Previous rank: 5th

It was close, but a win is a win and Lions fans will take it after all the years of futility in Detroit. Could the 24-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams be the beginning of an NFL Playoffs run?

NFL.com 

Power ranking: 4th

Previous rank: 5th

If you're a Lions fan and you wanted a second shot at the Cowboys, I completely understand. But when second prize is another home playoff game, no one is going to be standing in the return aisle. Detroit has enjoyed a storybook season to this point, and with second-seeded Dallas falling, the road to the Super Bowl is theoretically smoother. Yes, Lions fans, it's OK to dream that big right now. 

No, the 24-23 win over the Rams didn't come easily, as Los Angeles outplayed Detroit for stretches in that second half. But with a few key red zone stops and a couple of massive conversions late, the Lions were the grittier team late. That's what Dan Campbell has defaulted to when things have gotten tough, and it's gotten his group this far. Why can't Jared Goff get this team to the promised land? The Lions will have to pray their defense can hold up, but this is as tough a non-Niners out as there is left in the NFC.


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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!