Power Rankings: Lions Third-Best Team in NFL

The Detroit Lions have not only been consistent, but they have been able to dominate their opponents the last couple of weeks.

A stellar performance against the Carolina Panthers has Dan Campbell's squad moving up in several of the NFL power rankings released this week.

Here is where the Lions stand amongst the league in recent NFL power rankings.

Sports Illustrated

Power ranking: 4th

Previous rank: 6th

"With this kind of emphatic drubbing, the Lions have firmly planted themselves within a small circle of NFL teams capable of winning the Super Bowl. While this isn’t a bold statement, it is kind of an acknowledgement of a sample size. Their weapon set is deep and only getting better. Defensively, the amount of schematic work it took for the Panthers to finally log their first touchdown a few minutes into the second quarter was exhausting. The Lions can get on you fast, and can also keep you pinned on the ground."

Sporting News

Power ranking: 5th

Previous rank: 6th

"The Lions have proved they are for real several times over, starting with their season-opening win at Kansas City. They dominate up front offensively with the running game, for which the Panthers were not a match. Their young defense is making the needed big plays when outcomes are in doubt, too."

Pro Football Network

Power ranking: 6th

Previous rank: 9th

"Aidan Hutchinson always should have been the top pick in his draft class, and he’s proving it more and more as each week flies by. His interception of Bryce Young was magnificent, and he’s been one of the league’s best pass rushers so far in 2023.

The Lions defense appears to have turned the corner from last season, and while the offense hasn’t been quite as impressive as last year, it is still one of the most efficient units in the NFL."

ESPN

Power ranking: 5th

Previous rank: 8th

"Reynolds has quietly been one of the steadiest offensive weapons for the Lions, with the second most receiving yards (291) and third-most targets (24) through the first five games. He also has three receiving touchdowns, and the connection with Lions QB Jared Goff dates back to their early years of playing together for the Rams. More notable names like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs -- and even Goff -- were top fantasy picks for Detroit entering the year, but Reynolds has certainly started strong."

Lions Prove They Can Make Deep Playoff Run

CBS Sports

Power ranking: 5th

Previous rank: 9th

"They face a tough road game in Tampa against the Buccaneers this week. This team is for real at 4-1 under Dan Campbell."

Yahoo!

Power ranking: 6th

Previous rank: 7th

"The Lions have entered the tier of teams that can be without offensive standouts like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs and it doesn't matter. Also, we're soon going to have to talk about Aidan Hutchinson as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate."

USA Today

Power ranking: 3rd

Previous rank: 5th

"For all the focus on rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, it's veteran RB David Montgomery who's fueled a ground game with more rushes than any team in the league save two. Sunday, Montgomery became the first Detroit rusher to top 100 yards in consecutive games since … Kevin Jones in 2004."

The Athletic

Power ranking: 4th

Previous rank: 7th

"Second-round tight end Sam LaPorta is one of the best rookies in the league and a big reason the Lions are fourth in the league in scoring (29.6). LaPorta leads all tight ends with 25 catches for 289 yards. Throw in the fact that running back Jahmyr Gibbs has shown flashes and second-round safety Brian Branch might be a star, and Detroit is in the running for the best draft of 2023, not to mention the third-best team in the NFC."