Week 1 Power Rankings

Yahoo (2. Detroit Lions (LW: 2) - The Lions had some injury scares during training camp and preseason but it doesn't seem like any major contributors will miss Week 1. We'll have to see if rookie first-round pick Terrion Arnold gets a starting nod for Week 1 after missing time in August with a pectoral injury.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-lions-bills-texans-maybe-well-get-a-first-time-super-bowl-champion-050311554.html

USA Today (2. Detroit Lions (4): Remember that WR Jameson Williams nearly put them over the top against the Niners in the 2023 NFC championship game. If he can develop into a consistent threat over a full season, there may be no stopping this team.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2024/09/03/nfl-power-rankings-week-1/75052220007/

SI (2. Detroit Lions: The Sports Illustrated preseason Super Bowl favorite Lions come in at No. 2 on our power rankings. We can discuss a lot about this roster but, for me, the strength is on the line of scrimmages. This is a decidedly unsexy way of talking about a team with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs, among many others. But D.J. Reader, Alim McNeill and Aidan Hutchinson as a combination are way more exciting to me. The Lions are going to absolutely wear teams down by forcing them into obvious passing situations which will lessen the stress on their still-developing secondary. They are also going to continue to be one of the most dominant possession teams in the NFL. Last year, the Lions held onto the ball for more than 31 minutes per game. The Browns, for reference, were the only club that broke the 32 minute barrier last year.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/preseason-power-rankings-before-week-1-chiefs-lions

PFT (2. Lions: They’ve never been the hunted. They will be this year.):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pfts-week-1-2024-nfl-power-rankings

Fox sports (2. Detroit Lions (+1) - Super Bowl odds: +1200.  No notes, Lions. Last season ended in heartbreak, but Detroit has responded in all the right ways to make another run at it. The offense might be the best in the league, and the defense looks improved. Even in one of the league's most loaded divisions, the Lions might be the class of the NFC.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2024-power-rankings

FTW (2. Detroit Lions - Previous rank: 3.  Detroit’s secondary crapped out at the worst possible time, as injuries and a lack of depth helped the San Francisco 49ers pull off a come-from-behind win in the NFC Championship Game. That won’t be as big a weakness this fall; drafting Terrion Arnold and adding veterans like Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson should give the Lions a cornerback rotation that can live up to the standard set by a pass rush whose 28.2 percent pressure rate led the NFL last season.):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-power-rankings-week-0-chiefs-bears-cowboys

SN (3. Detroit Lions (3):  The Lions are hoping to make the NFC a two-team race after being strong runners-up to the 49ers last season. Detroit lost no key coaches and also worked more on shoring up weaknesses. The offense should be a little more explosive, and the defense should give Aidan Hutchinson more playmaking support on the back end.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-eagles-jets-bills-chiefs-vikings-saints/3eb5ea8d79b4678ede7a12c7

PFN Blackmon (3. Detroit Lions:  The Detroit Lions, with their passionate coach and blue-collar mentality, are the new America’s Team.  After losing the NFC Championship Game to the 49ers in 2023, Dan Campbell expressed how that may have been the Lions’ “only shot,” as in they may never have that type of success again.  Fortunately for the Lions, they had zero key losses on the roster and staff, and they were able to extend Amon-Ra St. Brown and draft fan-favorite Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold.  2023 will not have been the Lions’ “only shot.”):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-power-rankings-pfn-will-blackmon-preseason-2024/

Walter football (4. Detroit Lions (12-5) – Previously: 5.  Of the four teams in the championship games, it seems as though the Lions have lost the least talent. In fact, they added D.J. Reader, Kevin Zeitler and some cornerbacks to the roster in free agency, then somehow landed Terrion Arnold via the draft, so they figure to be better than they were in 2023. Getting Tim Patrick after final cuts was also a sneaky signing, as he could be the solid No. 2 receiver the Lions have been looking for over the years.):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

ESPN (4. Detroit Lions):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41001745/nfl-team-previews-2024-predictions-fantasy-sleepers-rankings-depth-charts

NFL.com (4.  Detroit Lions:  The 2023 Lions were a few plays away from reaching a Super Bowl with a defense that started out somewhat promisingly last season but really slipped after the early-November bye. Naturally, a lot of the focus has been placed on how much difference a revamped secondary and a beefed-up front can do for this team. Interestingly, the offense didn't really cook until the defense had backslid a bit, so you almost have to marvel at how Detroit got to 12-5 in spite of very few complete performances -- offense, defense and special teams all getting it done -- after about Week 4. Believe it or not, I actually see this as a positive. The Lions were absolutely fearless, which was a big driver of their success, and I don't expect that to change much this season. Now the talent level has risen, if only incrementally, but the biggest gains might be in the secondary and defensive front -- two areas where Detroit arguably had the most room for growth. The NFC North is suddenly a bear, and the journey might not be as gilded at times, but I think the Lions can find a way to forge through with another banner season.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-1-2024-nfl-season

PFF (5. Detroit Lions - Projected Wins: 9.8.  Led by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and quarterback Jared Goff, the Detroit Lions‘ biggest strength in 2023 was their high-powered offense, with standout performances from wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta, as well as a dynamic running back duo and strong offensive line. Their weakness was outside cornerback, which they addressed in the offseason through draft picks (Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.) and trades (Carlton Davis).  Looking ahead to 2024, wide receiver Jameson Williams needs to prove his first-round draft status from 2022. With an improved roster, the Lions are poised to make a strong run at their first Super Bowl appearance, despite facing tougher competition in the NFC North.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2024-nfl-power-rankings-49ers-week-1

CBS (7. Lions: They should once again push for a deep playoff run and more. Dan Campbell needs to stop being so reckless with his fourth-down decisions since his team is much better now.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-champion-chiefs-enter-season-no-1-as-they-eye-super-rare-three-peat-packers-top-nfc-team/

Average Power Rank:  (42/13):  3