2021 NFL Power Rankings: Detroit Lions
Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.
Here is where the Detroit Lions rank in terms of average, best and worst:
- Average ranking: 31.8 (32nd)
- Best ranking: 31st (NFL.com)
- Worst ranking: 32nd (Multiple)
Below you will find a Week 7 roundup for the Lions in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.
ESPN -- Rank: 32
I hate to be a prisoner of the moment, but the latest game against the Cincinnati Bengals was the Lions' worst performance of the season. My confidence has drastically decreased in this team throughout these six weeks, but a rash of injuries also is hurting this bunch. You can't help but think of Detroit's last 0-6 start -- during the notorious 2008 season when the team finished 0-16 -- and wonder when will this team get a victory. I love the passion displayed by Lions coach Dan Campbell, but the players have to match that energy on the field. -- Eric Woodyard
NFL.com -- Rank: 31
Jared Goff isn't the only reason why the Lions are the last winless team in the NFL, but the veteran quarterback obviously left his head coach wanting in the aftermath of a 34-11 loss to the Bengals. "I will say this ... I feel like he needs to step up more than he has," Dan Campbell said. "I think he needs to help us. Just like everybody else." Campbell's long pause during that reply seemed to last forever -- the coach was obviously trying to measure his words, knowing any criticism of a starting QB will be amplified. Goff felt like something of a sacrificial lamb when the Lions traded for him ... and that's exactly how it's playing out.
CBS Sports -- Rank: 32
After weeks of playing close games, they got dominated by the Bengals. They are just too undermanned. Can they go 0-17? It's possible.
USA Today -- Rank: 32
If they become totally disillusioned with QB Jared Goff -- in case you were wondering -- David Blough, Tim Boyle and Steven Montez are the in-house replacement options. So ... yeah.
The Athletic -- Rank: 32
Rookie Heat Check: Penei Sewell has struggled. His four sacks allowed are second only to the Raiders' Alex Leatherwood among rookies, and his pressures allowed (23) are tied for second-most in the league overall. One potential reason for the slow start? A finger injury to left tackle Taylor Decker caused chaos on the Lions' offensive line just days before the Week 1 opener. Sewell, who played left tackle at Oregon but was prepping to debut at right tackle in Detroit, instead flipped back to the left. His acclimation has been up-and-down ever since.
Previous updates:
- Detroit Lions 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Week 6
- Detroit Lions 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Week 5
- Detroit Lions 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Week 4
- Detroit Lions 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Week 3
- Detroit Lions 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Week 2
- Detroit Lions 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Week 1
- Detroit Lions 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Post-Draft
More Detroit Lions pages:
- Detroit Lions Mock Draft Roundup
- Detroit Lions Snap Counts
- Detroit Lions Franchise Leaders
- Detroit Lions Draft History
- Detroit Lions Schedule
- Detroit Lions Tickets
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