Following their Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions dropped a few spots in national NFL power rankings. Though they were leading the NFC North, several reporters ranked them just outside the league’s top ten. Writers have noted that the Lions appear to be headed back towards the top six after their victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
One thing that has prevented media from completely believing what Detroit is selling is the defense’s recent play. Over the last four weeks, opponents have scored 30.3 points per game against the Lions, indicating a kink in the armour that needs to be fixed.
The fact that the Lions have not been able to put any pressure on opposition quarterbacks is a major problem that keeps coming up. With the playoffs within their sights, the Lions will need to improve on their four-game winning streak of just four sacks.
Here is a look at how journalists around the nation are feeling about the Lions as we approach Week 14.
NFL.com
Position: 7
“The Lions have the greatest record after twelve games since 1962, and missing the playoffs would need them to stumble over roughly fourteen rakes between now and Week 18. They have a very good chance of hosting a postseason game and are still in the running for the top seed. Why, therefore, does Detroit seem to be experiencing a mild panic? The reason for this is that the Lions have insisted on adding unnecessary stress to the voyage by almost blowing leads by several touchdowns against the Saints and Chargers, barely overcoming the Bears, and creating a path for the Packers to take the NFC North. The offence, which had committed a total of seven turnovers in the previous two games, played a cleaner game against New Orleans. Even if Derek Carr was taken out of the game on Sunday, the defence is still a cause for concern as it collapsed in the second half. The Lions are currently experiencing a widespread sense of unease, particularly in light of several difficult games coming up.
PFT/NBC Sports
Position: 6
How far up the seeding tree can they climb while the division is locked up?
The Sports
Position: 6
“Detroit had to hold on to defeat a reeling New Orleans on Sunday after falling to Green Bay on Thanksgiving. I think the Lions are doing well. When it comes to touchdowns per drive (29.3%), they are still fourth in the league. Sam LaPorta, a rookie tight end, had nine catches for 140 yards on Sunday. He currently has the fourth-most receiving yards (679) among tight ends and is tied for the most touchdowns (six). However, it would be inhumane to this team’s supporters if it falters in the end.
ESPN
Position: 6
“After being chosen in the second round (34th overall) in the 2023 NFL draught out of Iowa, there were undoubtedly expectations for the rookie for the Lions, but LaPorta has exceeded expectations. In order to implement a committee style at tight end, Lions general manager Brad Holmes made the controversial choice to trade Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings during the previous season. However, LaPorta has been the guy this season. With the third-most catches (64) and fourth-most receiving yards (679) through the first 12 games of an NFL career, he is off to a fantastic start in his NFL career. From the beginning, not many people anticipated this kind of production.
Position: 6
The Lions’ decision to allow the Saints to tie the game after taking an early 21-0 lead seemed strange. Ultimately, it was a much-needed road victory over a respectable opponent, albeit cynically you could wonder whether it was a continuation of the Lions’ midseason slump. The Lions will fare well.
CBS Sports
Position: 7
“They made it interesting, but they got back on track by defeating the Saints.” The defence has to improve upon its recent performances.
USA Today
Position: 7
“With his overall lack of influence far into his second NFL season, wide receiver Jameson Williams’ potential as a weapon is easy to overlook. On Sunday, he serves a new notice.
