The Detroit Lions (4-2) have now won two straight, after taking down division rival Green Bay Packers 20-17 in Week 7. Half of this week’s national power rankings saw the victory as significant enough to move the Lions into their Top 10, while the other four rankers have Detroit just outside.
Let’s take a closer look at this week’s national power rankings.
**Sports Illustrated: 7 (**Previous rank: 11)
From Connor Orr:
The defensive performance from Detroit against Green Bay was season-altering. With Josh Jacobs returning and the Packers supposedly at full(er) strength, the Lions posted one of the lowest opponent success rates in the NFL on Sunday. Talk about needing to have it.
The Athletic: 9 (Previous rank: 9)
From Chad Graff and Josh Kendall:
Detroit got an important divisional win on Sunday, but concerns remain about its pass defense even after Brian Branch returned to the lineup. The Lions have the league’s fourth-worst expected points added per play on dropbacks against them. If they got even middling play from their secondary, they could be serious contenders in the NFC.
Yahoo Sports: 10 (Previous rank: 11)
From Frank Schwab:
The Lions got a big win Sunday and a big return to the lineup. Safety Brian Branch was back after tearing his Achilles last season, and he had four tackles and an interception. He can make a big difference in a defense that needs the boost.
“That’s just who he is, man,” linebacker Derrick Barnes told MLive.com. “He a ballhawk, man. He run, he hits, man. He plays fast the whole game. That’s who he is, man. And a lot of people feed off the energy.”
Branch played 45 snaps, which was 67% of the Lions’ defensive plays. That number will increase as he gets back to full strength. The Lions held the Packers to 17 points with Branch back in the lineup, which is progress from a unit that had struggled all season.
CBS Sports: 10 (Previous rank: 11)
From Pete Prisco:
“The offense is, as usual, playing at a high level. Jared Goff has been really good. Dan Campbell needs to quit going for it all the time.”
USA Today: 11 (Previous rank: 11)
From Nate Davis:
Maybe a little more MVP love for Jared Goff, the only quarterback to pass for at least 200 yards, a TD and zero picks in each of his team’s first six games? Ever.
NFL.com: 11 (Previous rank: 12)
From Nick Shook:
Detroit played one of its uglier games of the 2026 season on Sunday, a true NFC North rock fight against a rival that devolved into a polite battle of “No, go ahead, you take the win,” before the Lions ultimately emerged victorious. Turnovers became a problem for the first time this season, but conversely, Brian Branch’s return helped a defense that desperately needed a boost.
ESPN: 11 (Previous rank: 12)
From ESPN Staff, excerpt from Eric Woodyard:
“Detroit drafted Miller as the No. 17 pick to be a Day 1 starter, and the 22-year-old has lived up to the hype. He took on star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson during training camp, and he hasn’t allowed a sack in five games this season (primarily at right tackle). Meanwhile, Detroit’s offense is producing the second-most points in the league (30.67 per game) behind the Bills (32.83). Miller still has room to grow, as he has committed five penalties this season.”
Sporting News: 12 (Previous rank: 14)
From Vinnie Iyer:
“The Lions’ defense went from scary bad to intimidating against the Packers with Brian Branch back to help the secondary. When Jared Goff is playing so well off Jahmyr Gibbs’ running, Detroit is difficult to beat. It’s no surprise Detroit delivered its best game for Dan Campbell after the bye. The team needs to keep up the momentum with first-place Minnesota visiting next.”