Following their Week 11 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in a low-scoring game, the Detroit Lions still find themselves (barely) in the top-10 in this week’s power rankings roundup.
The Lions’ offense struggled mightily on third-down conversions. Along with that, they went goose egg on five fourth-down attempts in the 16-9 loss -- a game that was arguably winnable based on the stellar showing from Detroit’s defense.
Because of this, the Lions had a slight drop in this week’s rankings from writers across the country.
Much of the criticism this week from the NFL world focused on Jared Goff’s performance, Dan Campbell’s decision-making, and even questions of whether a former coordinator’s departure is starting to become a bigger issue than anticipated.
Here’s a look at where the Lions stand in this week’s rankings.
ESPN
Rank: 8
Last week: 6
“Morton was stripped of his playcalling duties after a Week 9 loss to the Vikings, and he might have to fight to secure a long-term role with the Lions. In 2024, Detroit led the NFL with 33.2 points per game under former OC Ben Johnson, and Morton was given the tall order of following the current Bears coach. Morton has said he’s ‘fully supportive’ of the Campbell’s decision and would be ready if he’s needed to call plays again. But things not initially working in that area could be costly for his future.” -- Eric Woodyard
The Athletic
Rank: 8
Last week: 5
"It turns out that Dan Campbell with a play-call sheet in his hands is even more aggressive than regular Dan Campbell. In his second game calling plays for the Lions, the head coach went for it five times on fourth down. Detroit converted none. NFL teams have attempted at least five fourth downs in 145 games this century. Only one other time has the team failed to convert any of those attempts: the Lions against the Patriots in 2022 (0-for-6). Their head coach? Yep, Dan Campbell." -- Josh Kendall and Chad Graff
The Ringer
Rank: 7
Last week: 4
"I can’t imagine how frustrating Sunday night’s loss must have been for Lions fans. While Detroit’s defense didn’t force sacks or turnovers against Philadelphia, it dominated the Eagles offense on third down, kept Philly’s passing game reined in, and gave Jared Goff and the offense several chances to win the game.
If this were truly a championship-quality team, Detroit’s offense would’ve been able to do enough to squeeze out a win. Instead, Goff looked rattled and as inaccurate as we’ve seen him in years—and that’s not something head coach Dan Campbell can change by taking over play calling duties." -- Diante Lee
CBS Sports
Rank: 10
Last week: 7
"The offense didn’t do enough in the loss to the Eagles. At 6-4, they have to get it going. One more thing: It’s OK to kick field goals once in a while." -- Pete Prisco
Yahoo Sports
Rank: 7
Last week: 6
"The Lions’ loss on Sunday night brought up the old story of Jared Goff struggling outdoors when the weather isn’t perfect, and it’s hard to deny that his stats plummet in the elements. And Sunday’s loss means a No. 1 seed and home-field advantage through the playoffs is unlikely." -- Frank Schwab
Sports Illustrated
Rank: 8
Last week: 5
“While this is more of an Eagles defensive stat, I suppose, Sunday was the first time a quarterback averaged 70% or better in completion rate and went on to log fewer than 40% completion rate. That’s utter demolition (plus really crappy northeast weather).” -- Connor Orr
Pro Football Talk
Rank: 9
Last week: 4
"The consequences of Ben Johnson’s departure are starting to surface." -- Mike Florio
Sporting News
Rank: 10
Last week: 7
“The Lions’ offense got cooled down in a tough road environment again by the wind and Eagles’ pass rush getting to Jared Goff. Their defense, however, was an encouraging development in defeat.” -- Vinnie Iyer
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