Power Rankings: Lions Have ‘Mysteriously Scary’ NFL Coach
Here’s a look at where the Detroit Lions stand in national power rankings, following their 23-20 Week 13 win over the Chicago Bears to improve to 11-1 on the season.
Sports Illustrated
Power ranking: 1st
Previous ranking: 1st
I feel like Dan Campbell is both the absolute best and worst coach to have when you accidentally post your team’s offensive code words on social media. On one hand, he’s saying that it doesn’t matter which is cool and it takes the heat off your back. On the other hand, you have one of the league’s most mysteriously scary coaches in the NFL. Center Frank Ragnow once told me that what’s weird about Campbell is that he’s always at the facility, he’s always jacked and no one has ever seen him work out. You don’t want that guy mad at you.
The Athletic
Power ranking: 1st
Previous ranking: 1st
The Lions won their 10th straight game on Thursday, but they didn’t look unbeatable, scoring only once in the final 33 minutes and letting the Bears back into the game in the second half. Detroit still has to play the Packers, Bills, 49ers and Vikings, so it’s going to be tested, which might be good preparation for the playoffs. If this team loses early after all the expectations it has built up, Lions fans will be gutted.
CBS Sports
Power ranking: 1st
Previous ranking: 1st
The injuries on defense are starting to add up. That can be a problem down the stretch and this week against the Packers. They’ve lost a lot of good players.
Yahoo Sports
Power ranking: 1st
Previous ranking: 1st
The Lions are taking on some injuries, particularly at linebacker and on the defensive line. Those injuries make Thursday night’s matchup vs. a very good Packers offense more challenging.
Bleacher Report
Power ranking: 1st
Previous ranking: 1st
The Lions are as hot as any team in the league and have to be considered one of the favorites to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LIX. But there’s a potential problem brewing that could derail Detroit’s Super Bowl aspirations—injuries.
Edge-rusher Josh Paschal and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez joined an already-long-list of Lions defenders on the shelf, and while it didn’t prevent a win on Turkey Day and the Lions are making moves to bring in reinforcements, it’s fair to wonder if a depleted defense could become a major problem come the playoffs.
USA Today
Power ranking: 1st
Previous ranking: 1st
Now 11-1 for the first time in club history after snapping a seven-game Thanksgiving skid, they’ll take aim at their first-ever 11-game winning streak this Thursday night. Two massive games ahead with the Packers and Bills coming to Ford Field and threatening Detroit’s veryprecarious perch atop the NFC standings … though hopefully they won’t discourage more pass attempts from 335-pound RT Penei Sewell, who was sacked during his only opportunity on Turkey Day.
ESPN
Power ranking: 1st
Previous ranking: 1st
In his third season, Joseph has sparkled on a Lions defense that has displayed spurts of dominance. Detroit’s D at one point went 12 straight quarters without surrendering a touchdown, and Joseph has played a key role in its success with 56 tackles and 10 passes defended. He also had his first career pick-six in Week 9 at Lambeau Field, one of his league-lead-tying seven interceptions.
You’re nervous. The Eagles are surging. Dan Campbell wouldn’t have it any other way
Shawn Windsor – Detroit Free Press
December 3, 2024
Lions’ Jamal Adams couldn’t believe Aaron Glenn called him for shot: ‘A dream come true’
Jared Ramsey – Detroit Free Press
December 3, 2024
Detroit Lions’ Jameson Williams wants to return punts – and definitely wants more hurdles
Dave Birkett – Detroit Free Press
December 3, 2024
NFL Week 14 power rankings: Lions hold strong at No. 1
Kory Woods – MLive
December 3, 2024
Red zone stumbles have Lions’ attention entering Packers matchup
Kyle Austin – MLive
December 3, 2024
Jamo seeking shot to return punts: “Game-changers are game-changers”
Will Burchfield – 97.1 The Ticket
December 3, 2024
Lions lead all NFL teams in Pro Bowl voting; Sewell, Ragnow, Zeitler top NFC by position
Dave Birkett – Detroit Free Press
December 2, 2024
Mind games? Ben Johnson suggests Jahmyr Gibbs purposefully leaked Lions’ code words
Dave Birkett – Detroit Free Press
December 2, 2024
Detroit Lions in holding pattern on OL with Taylor Decker’s status uncertain vs Packers
Dave Birkett – Detroit Free Press
December 2, 2024
Dan Campbell: ‘I don’t really give a crap’ about Detroit Lions’ leaked protection calls
Dave Birkett – Detroit Free Press
December 2, 2024
Lions’ success vs. Packers hinges on keeping ball out of Josh Jacobs’ hands
Nolan Bianchi – Detroit News
December 2, 2024
Four crucial linemen missing practice for Lions ahead of critical game vs. Packers
Nolan Bianchi – Detroit News
December 2, 2024
Veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander ready to ‘go hard’ for Lions’ Dan Campbell, Aaron Glenn
Nolan Bianchi – Detroit News
December 2, 2024
Terrion Arnold, Jameson Williams want to return punts for the Lions. Will it ever happen?
Richard Silva – Detroit News
December 2, 2024
Detroit has large presence in early Pro Bowl voting; see where Lions rank at each position
Richard Silva – Detroit News
December 2, 2024
All-Pro safety says signing with Lions was a ‘no-brainer’
Kory Woods – MLive
December 2, 2024
The Detroit Lions need a punt returner. Two ex-Alabama stars are eager.
Benjamin Raven – MLive
December 2, 2024
Lions lead NFL in total Pro Bowl votes
Kyle Austin – MLive
December 2, 2024
Slowing down Packers’ big, powerful running back key for Lions
Kory Woods – MLive
December 2, 2024
Lions missing 4 key players at practice ahead of Packers game
Benjamin Raven – MLive
December 2, 2024
Lions leaning on terror-creating interior duo to lift banged-up defense
Benjamin Raven – MLive
December 2, 2024
Dan Campbell ‘not losing sleep’ over leaked protection photo drama
Benjamin Raven – MLive
December 2, 2024
Lions’ Dan Campbell on Jahmyr Gibbs’ leak of protection calls: ‘It won’t affect us’
Colton Pouncy – The Athletic
December 2, 2024
Jamal Adams has eye on the prize – and the quarterback – in “no-brainer” opportunity with Lions
Will Burchfield – 97.1 The Ticket
December 2, 2024
Coordinator recap: Style over scheme for new Lions defenders, Jamo’s future as a return man and final word on Gibbs’ leak
Justin Rogers – Detroit Football Network
December 2, 2024
Jamal Adams: ‘Dream come true’ to join Detroit Lions
Jeremy Reisman – Pride of Detroit
December 2, 2024
Lions Week 14 injury report: Taylor Decker, 3 defensive linemen not practicing Monday
Erik Schlitt – Pride of Detroit
December 2, 2024
Lions OC Ben Johnson on leaked protections: ‘Now we know what they know’
Jeremy Reisman – Pride of Detroit
December 2, 2024
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