Another classic shootout between the Lions and Seahawks happened Monday. This time, for a change, the Lions came out on top 42-29 to improve to 3-1 and hand the Seahawks their first loss of the season. The question now: How close to the top of the power rankings are the Lions after this win? Do some have them above the two remaining unbeaten teams (Chiefs and Vikings)? Let’s find out.
USA Today
Current rank: 4
Last week’s rank: 4
What Nate Davis had to say: “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.”
Pro Football Talk
Current rank: 2
Last week’s rank: 3
What Mike Florio had to say: “The Jared Goff trade will pay dividends for the Lions long after Matthew Stafford has retired.”
ESPN NFL Nation
Current rank: 4
Last week’s rank: 5
What Eric Woodyard had to say: “Although the Lions’ pass coverage has allowed only four touchdowns this season, Detroit’s defense could improve at lowering opponents’ 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.”
NFL.com
Current rank: 3
Last week’s rank: 4
What Eric Edholm had to say: “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.”
Yahoo Sports
Current rank: 4
Last week’s rank: 3
What Frank Schwab had to say: “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..”
CBS Sports
Current rank: 5
Last week’s rank: 10
What Pete Prisco had to say: “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.”