Detroit Lions gaining national respect in Week 5 NFL power rankings roundup

Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions passes the ball in the second half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 1, 2017

DETROIT – The Detroit Lions are continuing to gain respect from league writers.

The Lions, 3-1 and coming off a win on the road against the Minnesota Vikings, are climbing the power rankings from all ends.

Recommended Videos



The Lions will look to continue their winning ways against Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers this Sunday at Ford Field.

ALSO SEE: Dean Blandino, former NFL VP of officiating, sends video apology to Detroit Lions fans

Here's a look at where writers have the Lions in their Week 5 NFL Power Rankings:

NFL.com's Elliot Harrison: Lions - No. 2 (Up from No. 4): These aren't the same old Lions. They are 3-1 (with a bit of an asterisk on the 1). They made the playoffs last year. And since owner Martha Firestone Ford addressed the media midway through the 2015 season -- announcing the firings of team president Tom Lewand and general manager Martin Mayhew while sternly advising that the circumstances around her football team would change -- Detroit is 18-10. Also keep in mind that two of those losses came on an Aaron Rodgers Hail Mary and the dreaded rulebook monster. If running back Ameer Abdullah can keep this going (109 total yards on Sunday), the Lions will win the NFC North.

ESPN: Lions - No. 9 (Down from No. 8): The best offense is sometimes a good defense. The Lions are tied for the league lead with 11 takeaways, which has led to 47 points off turnovers. Last season, Detroit had 14 takeaways, leading to only 28 points off turnovers.

CBS Sports: Lions - No. 6 (Up from No. 8): They found a way to win a physical game at Minnesota, which keeps them tied for the division lead with the Packers. They could easily be 4-0.  

Sporting News: Lions - No. 6 (Up from No. 9): It was nice to win a road game without the fourth-quarter heroics of Matthew Stafford and on the strength of stingy defense and much-improved power running from Ameer Abdullah. The Lions are becoming a very complete and dangerous team.

Bleacher Report: Lions - No. 5 (Up from No. 6): This defense is tough and physical, Stafford is being careful with the football, and we're finally seeing a running game. It's safe to say Detroit is a complete team.

 


About the Author:

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.