Monday, December 4, 2023

Week 14 Power Rankings

SI (4. Detroit Lions (9–3) - The Detroit Lions have not been this good, this late in a season since 1962. Think about that for one second. The Lions’ first touchdown drive touched on the amount of precision that was required in order to erase decades of futility. They can run the ball and convert on a third-and-7 with relative ease. Sam LaPorta, a rookie second round pick, took two defenders clear out of a rushing play at the goal line. This team has its opponents so cross-eyed it's incredible.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/12/05/nfl-power-rankings-49ers-win-nfc-heavyweight-battle

ESPN (6. Detroit Lions (9-3) - Week 13 ranking: 7.  Pleasant surprise: TE Sam LaPorta.  There were obviously expectations for the Lions rookie after being selected in the second round (34th overall) of the 2023 NFL draft out of Iowa, but LaPorta has been better than advertised. Last season, Lions GM Brad Holmes made an unpopular decision to trade Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings and decided to go with a committee approach at the position. But this season, LaPorta has been the guy. His NFL career is off to a great start with the third-most catches (64) and the fourth-most receiving yards (679) through the first 12 games of a tight end's career in NFL history. Not many people expected this type of production from Day 1. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/NFLpowerranking120523/nfl-week-14-power-rankings-poll-2023-plus-coaches-players-surprise

Yahoo (6. Detroit Lions (9-3, LW: 5).  It was odd to see the Lions let the Saints get back in the game after jumping out to a quick 21-0 lead. Cynically you can wonder if it was a continuation of the Lions' midseason lull, but ultimately it was a needed road win over a decent opponent. The Lions will be fine.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-a-great-team-this-season-it-always-has-been-the-49ers-120037770.html

Fox sports (6. Detroit Lions (9-3) +1.  The Lions have guaranteed themselves a winning record with a month still to play, and that's very fun. But you have to be concerned about this defense. When the New Orleans Saints are flirting with 30 points against you, it's a pretty clear indicator you've got problems.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-power-rankings

PFT (6. Lions (9-3, No. 8): The division is locked up; how high can they climb the seeding tree?):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pfts-week-14-2023-nfl-power-rankings


The Athletic (Lions - Power ranking: 6th.  Previous rank: 7th. After losing to Green Bay on Thanksgiving, Detroit had to hold on to beat reeling New Orleans on Sunday. The Lions are probably fine. They remain fourth in the league in touchdowns per drive (29.3 percent). Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta had nine catches for 140 yards Sunday, and he’s tied for the most touchdowns by a tight end (six) and has the fourth-most receiving yards among tight ends (679). But it would be cruel to this team’s fan base if it doesn’t finish strong.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/packers/news/week-14-nfl-power-rankings-roundup-love-is-going-to-the-playoffs

Fox sports Herd (6. Detroit Lions (Last Week: 7) - Cowherd's thoughts: "I think because of their ball-control style, [Jared] Goff, their run game, they can beat virtually anybody in the NFC — including Dallas."):   https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/herd-hierarchy-week-14-san-francisco-takes-over-the-no-1-spot

Athlonsports (6. Detroit Lions (9-3) - Last week: No. 8.  Six words or less: Are the Lions pretenders or contenders?):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/week-14-power-rankings-49ers-cowboys-eagles-lions

PFN Miller (7. Detroit Lions (7):  The Lions looked like they were going to run away and hide from a good defensive team in the New Orleans Saints. However, after a strong three-drive stretch to start the game, the offensive well ran a bit dry, and the Lions’ defensive flaws shined bright.  Even at 9-3, it’s becoming harder to trust this team as the season progresses. The offense is incredibly talented, but they need to be nearly perfect because the defense has fallen apart over the past four weeks.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-14-nfl-power-rankings-dalton-miller-2023/

CBS (7. Lions:  They got back on track beating the Saints, but they made it interesting. The defense has to be better than it has been in recent weeks.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-14-power-rankings-jordan-love-has-packers-rising-rapidly-and-theres-a-new-no-1-after-eagles-loss/

USA Today (7. Lions (7): Given his general lack of impact well into his second NFL season, it's easy to forget what a weapon WR Jameson Williams can be. Then he serves fresh notice Sunday.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2023/12/05/nfl-power-rankings-cowboys-eagles-ravens-week-14/71808411007/

Touchdown wire (7. Detroit Lions.  Last Week: 8.  The Lions came out firing early and often. This team has the firepower to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the NFL.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-49ers-ravens-jaguars-trevor-lawrence-brock-purdy/

FTW (7.  Detroit Lions - Last week’s rank: 7.  Week 13 was the emphatic response we’d hoped to see from Dan Campbell’s team … for seven minutes. Detroit raced out to a 21-0 lead in New Orleans, then stalled as the Saints made it a 24-21 game by the third quarter. The Lions held on for the win, but their only touchdown of the final 53 minutes came via short field after a Derek Carr turnover. Jared Goff’s slump may not be over just yet. — CD):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-cowboys-49ers-packers

NFL.com (7. Detroit Lions:  The Lions have their best record through a dozen games since 1962, and they'd have to trip over about 14 rakes between now and Week 18 to miss the playoffs. There's an excellent chance they'll be hosting a postseason game, and they're not out of the race for the No. 1 seed. So why does it feel like there's a slight panic in Detroit? Well, because the Lions have insisted on making the journey more painful than it needs to be, nearly coughing up multiple-score leads against the Chargers and Saints, barely coming back to beat the Bears and opening the door for the Packers to come steal the NFC North. The offense turned in a cleaner game at New Orleans, with no turnovers after committing a combined seven over the previous two games. But the defense remains a concern, falling apart in the second half on Sunday despite knocking Derek Carr out of the game. There's just a general uneasiness around the Lions right now, especially with some tricky games down the stretch.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-2023-nfl-season


SN (8. Detroit Lions 8-3 (3):  The Lions were rare strong home favorites on Thanksgiving, only to meet a familiar losing result against the Packers. They are still looking good with the running game and underneath passing game, but Jared Goff is off when there are pressure leaks and the young defense is experiencing more breakdowns.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-chiefs-cowboys-browns-broncos-packers/3eda3afe4d6307fc2adc9bbe

Fox sports Brooks (8. Detroit Lions - Record: 9-3; Last Week: 8.  Credit Dan Campbell for getting the Lions back on track by utilizing a creative game plan to put the ball in the hands of the most dangerous playmakers early and often in a hard-fought win over the Saints. The aggressive approach helped Jared Goff rediscover his rhythm as the Lions offense sizzled in Week 13. Given the explosive potential routinely displayed by the Lions this season, the NFC North leaders could make some noise in the postseason tournament.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-top-10-rankings-49ers-new-no-1-ravens-dolphins-rise-eagles-chiefs-fall

Walter football (8.  Detroit Lions (9-3) – Previously: 9.  The Lions looked like they were going to coast to an easy victory against the Saints after establishing a 21-0 lead just seven minutes into the game. They fell asleep after that, but they were able to hang on with some clutch drives in the second half.):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

PFF (8. Detroit Lions (no change)):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-14-power-rankings-2023

Average Power Ranking (137/20):  7

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