NFL Week 12 power rankings: Lions claim second-best spot in the league

This NFL season is on the verge of being a historic for the Detroit Lions and their fans, marking a journey not experienced in over 60 years. With an 8-2 record for the first time since 1962, the Lions now hold the NFC’s No. 2 seed and the NFL’s second-best record, trailing only the Philadelphia Eagles in their NFC.

Following a thrilling 31-26 comeback against the division-rival Chicago Bears last Sunday, concerns surfaced among NFL journalists regarding the Lions. Understandably so, as once again, the Lions’ defense struggled against mobile quarterbacks. Justin Fields, returning for the Bears after a four-week absence with an injured thumb, dominated the Lions until the final three minutes of regulation. In a remarkable turnaround, the Lions secured victory with 17 points in the game’s closing minutes, showcasing clutch plays on both sides of the ball.

Despite a historical tendency to lose such games, the Lions received commendations from writers across the country, particularly from CBS Sports.

While they had been cautious in elevating the Lions in their rankings throughout the season, this week, CBS Sports bestowed upon the Lions their highest mark, influenced in part by the impressive victory over the Bears. Other writers attributed Detroit’s success to the offensive prowess led by coordinator Ben Johnson and quarterback Jared Goff, who, despite arguably playing his worst game of the season, made the necessary clutch plays for the win.

Let’s take a look at where the Lions stand in NFL power rankings across the country:

CBS Sports

Rank: 2

“They had to rally to beat a so-so Bears team at home, which isn’t a good sign. But the fact they did it shows they are a truly a good team.”

The Athletic

Rank: 3

“The Lions scored 17 points in the final 2:59 Sunday, and it’s that offense that makes them so dangerous. They are second in the league in yards per game (399.6) and fifth in scoring (27.2) but only 17th in red-zone touchdown efficiency (52.9 percent) so there’s still room for growth. The Lions, who are 16-4 in their last 20, haven’t started a season this well since 1962.”

Rank: 4

“The Lions are off to their best start since 1962, and sitting comfortably atop the NFC North standings in position to win their first division title since 1993. Goff has been a major factor this season, as he has continued to revitalize his career under coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Goff has 2,743 passing yards through 10 games this season as well as 16 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. The next thing he has to prove is whether he can lead the team in the playoffs.”

USA Today

Rank: 6

“A team that has zero NFC North crowns to its credit has won seven consecutive divisional games for the first time since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. They can run that streak to eight on Thanksgiving by beating Green Bay.”

Pro Football Network

Rank: 3

“Jared Goff turned into a pumpkin against the Bears on Sunday, but the Detroit Lions battled for four quarters to overcome a multi-score deficit in the final 15 minutes to beat their division rivals.

Aidan Hutchinson sealed the game with a beautiful rush that resulted in a strip-sack of Justin Fields, who played relatively well in his first action back from his injury. Considering the issues Detroit had defending the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens, a big day from Fields shouldn’t have been surprising.”

Yahoo Sports

Rank: 4

“All you need to know is this was the kind of game the Lions have historically lost. Instead, they found a way to beat the Bears. Detroit may not be ready to menace with a deep playoff run but it is getting there.”

The Sporting News

Rank: 3

“The Lions didn’t look good with Jared Goff turnovers for most of the game vs. Chicago, also having more defensive breakdowns. But credit them for digging deep late and making the plays needed to win, a sign of a strong, complete playoff team.”

NBC Sports Chicago

Rank: 5

“The Lions messed around with the lowly Bears on Sunday, but made the plays needed to erase a 12-point deficit in the final five minutes to stay on track. The Lions’ offense is elite, but the defense has to take a leap for them to be considered a realistic threat to the top two in the NFC.”

Clutch Points

Rank: 2

“It wasn’t an easy win by any means for the Detroit Lions, but they used a 17-point fourth quarter to make a comeback win over the Bears. Three interceptions from Jared Goff put a sour note on their eighth win of the year, but both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery found the end zone to help the Lions win another divisional matchup and stay at No. 2 in these NFL Power Rankings.”