Week 4 is over and the Detroit Lions walked out with a big win over the Seattle Seahawks. Now it’s time to take a look at what the power rankers of the world are saying about the Lions.
NFL: 3rd
Previous ranking: 4th
“The Lions seemed to get a little of their mojo back Monday night in an explosive offensive performance that saw Jared Goff throw a perfect game — 18-for-18 passing — which he’d never done before. Goff had caught a pass before, but the quarterback told ESPN’s Lisa Salters he’d never logged a touchdown reception prior to snagging Amon-Ra St. Brown’s picture-perfect teardrop of a throw, making Detroit a perfect 19-for-19 through the air. The defense had its hands full with Geno Smith and the Seahawks’ weapons all night, but the forced fumble in the first quarter and the three fourth-quarter stops were strong moments. I didn’t love the late-game execution, with the Lions taking the safety and somehow keeping the Seahawks’ chances alive longer, but Detroit ultimately got it done. I was living in St. Louis during the “Greatest Show On Turf” heyday, and these Lions give me those same vibes: always dangerous, always interesting and often making life harder than it needs to be.” -Eric Edholm
ESPN: 4th
Previous ranking: 5th
“Although the Lions’ pass coverage has only allowed four touchdowns this season, Detroit’s defense could improve at lowering opponents’ total QBR (55.6 through four games), which ranks 22nd in the league. In Week 1, Matthew Stafford completed 34 of 49 passes for 317 yards and a touchdown. Baker Mayfield went 12-for-19 with a TD in Week 2, while Geno Smith went 38-of-56 for 395 yards and a touchdown on Monday. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said they ‘plan on improving every week,’ which they’ll have to do after surrendering 29 points against Seattle.” – Eric Woodyard
Yahoo Sports: 4th
Previous ranking: 3rd
“Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense are just fine. The defense has been a little softer than Detroit was hoping and that’s an issue, but seeing Goff throw a nearly perfect game on Monday night was another sign of the Lions’ championship upside.” -Frank Schwab
CBS Sports: 5th
Previous ranking: 10th
“They looked amazing on offense in blowing out Seattle. But the defense continues to have problems. They need to tighten up on the back end.” -Pete Prisco
Sports Illustrated: 2nd
Previous ranking: 4th
“The Lions are back to being the most fun team in the league. Thank goodness. Sometimes your coach doing a hilarious Applebee’s commercial can be the absolute kiss of death. Just ask Baker Mayfield, the star of some criminally underrated Progressive commercials in his day. Alas…QB receiving touchdowns! Step dancing after toe-tapping grabs! Leaps into the crowd! The Lions are going to the Super Bowl.” -Connor Orr
Sporting News: 3rd
Previous ranking: 6th
“The Lions are maybe getting a little too aggressive with Jared Goff, as their winning identity is more tied to their dominant running game and improving defense. But that formula also allowed Detroit to make a huge winning statement at home vs. Seattle on Monday night before a Week 5 bye.” -Vinnie Iyer
USA Today: 4th
Previous ranking: 4th
“QB Jared Goff flexed his ‘Motor City Muscle’ with a near-perfect performance against the previously unbeaten ‘Hawks – becoming the first quarterback in 46 years to start consecutive games with at least 10 straight completions – as the Lions finally won what’s become their now-annual shootout with Seattle.” -Nate Davis
Pro Football Talk: 2nd
Previous ranking: 3rd
“The Jared Goff trade will pay dividends for the Lions long after Matthew Stafford has retired.” -Mike Florio
Bleacher Report: 4th
Previous ranking: 4th
There is a lengthy piece written about them that we recommend checking out.