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: 30.6 (30th)
- Best ranking: 30th (Multiple)
- Worst ranking: 32nd (ESPN)
Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Lions in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.
ESPN -- Rank: 32
Prediction we missed: The Lions' record.
OK, I'll admit I was wrong. Although I knew the Lions' schedule was tough to start the year, and they were in the midst of a rebuild, I predicted them to have at least one victory by now. I took the over in my predictions for Detroit to win more than five games this season, but this team remains winless at 0-7. They've laid a complete egg in a few games, but they also easily could have at least two victories by now, barring losses on not one, but two last-second, 50-plus-yard field goals. -- Eric Woodyard
OK, I'll admit I was wrong. Although I knew the Lions' schedule was tough to start the year, and they were in the midst of a rebuild, I predicted them to have at least one victory by now. I took the over in my predictions for Detroit to win more than five games this season, but this team remains winless at 0-7. They've laid a complete egg in a few games, but they also easily could have at least two victories by now, barring losses on not one, but two last-second, 50-plus-yard field goals. -- Eric Woodyard
NFL.com -- Rank: 30
The Lions aren't talented, but they are gutsy and they play their hearts out every week for Dan Campbell. Jared Goff's late interception doomed Detroit to another painful loss on Sunday in Los Angeles, but hanging tough for four quarters against a Super Bowl contender like the Rams counts as progress in Detroit. Campbell's performance was admirable, as well -- the coach called for an early onside kick and two fake punts, with all three trick plays ending with a successful outcome. To have all that go right and still lose is frustrating, but the Lions don't feel like a hopeless 0-7. The losses continue to mount, but the fight remains strong.
CBS Sports -- Rank: 31
They almost pulled off a shocker against the Rams on the road. They play hard and tough, which is a good sign for the future.
USA Today -- Rank: 30
Another missed opportunity in Week 7, but Sunday brings a feasible opportunity -- a home date against the Eagles -- to finally shatter prospect of an 0-17 campaign.
The Athletic -- Rank: 30
Trick or treat: The Lions brought the tricks against the Rams, successfully executing two fake punts and an onside kick. They came up short, as they have every other week, but they're not an easy out. The Eagles visit Sunday, which feels like the most realistic chance for the Lions to avoid being winless when they host their annual Thanksgiving game. Injuries have hit this team hard, so while the effort is commendable, there's still a chance Detroit becomes the NFL's first 0-17 team. (After becoming the NFL's first 0-16 team in 2008.)
Previous updates:
- Detroit Lions 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Week 7
- 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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