Nfl Week 9 Power Rankings: Lions’ Rise Continues But Still Have Doubters

The Detroit Lions (5-2) have now won three in a row and beaten NFC North rivals—the Green Bay Packers in Week 7 and the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8—in back-to-back games.

The Lions’ balanced roster and adaptable coaching staff allow them to stay competitive with any opponent, and as we have seen in each of the three previous wins, they can beat an opponent in a variety of ways. Against the Cardinals, the Lions unleashed their passing attack; against the Packers, they controlled possessions and the clock; and last Sunday, they matched the Vikings’ aggression with an attacking run game and dominated on the ground. With each win, the Lions’ defense has steadily improved, though many national analysts are still looking at season-long stats instead of what they’ve done recently.

In this week’s power rankings, the Lions moved up in every ranking; however, they’re still one holdout away from being a consensus top-10 team. Let’s take a closer look at this week’s national power rankings.

Sports Illustrated: 4 (Previous rank: 7)

From Connor Orr:

Drew Petzing has been on my ascending head coaches list but has put himself on many others after a sterling performance against the Vikings. Petzing managed to get the job done against Brian Flores and add a flourish, a particular feat that seems almost impossible given how talented this Minnesota defense is.

NFL.com: 5 (Previous rank: 11)

From Nick Shook:

This might not age well, given the serious injury questions facing the Lions, but I’m giving them the boost because of how they finished their victory over the previously undefeated Vikings. Facing a 15-12 deficit in the fourth quarter, Detroit sliced right through Minnesota’s terrifying defense with apparent ease, leaning on Jahmyr Gibbs before finishing the drive with a beautiful touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Jameson Williams. The Lions won by sticking to their offensive identity, getting another encouraging showing from the defense and outlasting the Vikings in a victory that feels bigger than most.

The Athletic: 7 (Previous rank: 9)

From Chad Graff and Josh Kendall:

Reality check: The defense is still a problem

Detroit’s defensive EPA through eight weeks (minus-60.22) is the 16th-worst of any team in the last 10 years, according to TruMedia. Jahmyr Gibbs saved them Sunday by rushing for a career-best 99 yards after forcing a missed tackle, according to NextGenStats. He finished with 23 carries for 153 yards and now has more touchdowns in his first four seasons (59) than anyone other than Terrell Davis and LaDainian Tomlinson.

USA Today: 7 (Previous rank: 11)

From Nate Davis:

Does there need to be concern about RB Jahmyr Gibbs’ usage at some point? He’s on pace for 464 touches, which would be the second-highest total in NFL history. (James Wilder had 492 in 1984.)

Yahoo Sports: 8 (Previous rank: 10)

From Frank Schwab:

Biggest need: Defense, particularly at cornerback

The Lions’ fan base wasn’t happy when the Cowboys overpaid to get cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in a trade. They know that cornerback is an issue and it seems hard to believe the deadline will pass without Detroit doing something at the position.

Yet, there are other issues on a defense that has struggled most of the season, though it has allowed just 32 points the last two games. While the human element of linebacker Jack Campbell’s neck injury is overwhelming, and his recovery is the biggest part of that story, there is a football side to it as well. Detroit will presumably be without one of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL indefinitely. While the team’s thoughts are primarily on their young star’s health, the Lions also have to deal with the reality of perhaps adding a linebacker before the deadline.

CBS Sports: 9 (Previous rank: 10)

From Pete Prisco:

They beat the Packers and the Vikings in consecutive weeks in low-scoring games. That’s a new formula for this team to win games, but a good sign.

ESPN: 9 (Previous rank: 11)

From ESPN Staff, excerpt from Eric Woodyard:

Best in-season trade acquisition ever: DE Za’Darius Smith in 2024

The Lions have plenty of impactful offseason trades, including ones that helped them land quarterbacks in Jared Goff (2021) and Bobby Layne (1950). But the best in-season deal in terms of immediate impact likely goes to Smith. He had four sacks in eight regular-season games for the Lions, who had a team-record 15 wins and earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed in 2024. Detroit received Smith and a 2026 seventh-round draft selection from the Browns for a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 sixth-rounder.

Sporting News: 11 (Previous rank: 12)

From Vinnie Iyer:

The Lions have come through with huge back-to-back home division wins against the Packers and Vikings. The big surprise is the improved defense. After allowing an average of almost 30 points in the first five games, the Lions have given up only 32 total the past two weeks. They should keep up that play with the Dolphins in Miami next.