We’re onto Week 6 of the NFL season and the Detroit Lions continue to look really good. They’re sitting at 4-1 for the first time since 1991 and they’ll be taking on a tough Tampa Bay Buccaneers team on Sunday. we’ll see how that goes soon enough. But first, let’s take a look at how things went in the power ranking department for the Lions.
ESPN: 5th
Previous ranking: 8
“Reynolds has quietly been one of the steadiest offensive weapons for the Lions, with the second most receiving yards (291) and third-most targets (24) through the first five games. He also has three receiving touchdowns, and the connection with Lions QB Jared Goff dates back to their early years of playing together for the Rams. More notable names like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs — and even Goff — were top fantasy picks for Detroit entering the year, but Reynolds has certainly started strong.”
The Sporting News: 5th
Previous ranking: 6th
“The Lions have proved they are for real several times over, starting with their season-opening win at Kansas City. They dominate up front offensively with the running game, for which the Panthers were not a match. Their young defense is making the needed big plays when outcomes are in doubt, tol.”
USA Today: 3rd
Previous ranking: 5th
“For all the focus on rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, it’s veteran RB David Montgomery who’s fueled a ground game with more rushes than any team in the league save two. Sunday, Montgomery became the first Detroit rusher to top 100 yards in consecutive games since … Kevin Jones in 2004.”
Editors’ Note: D’Andre Swift ran for 100 yards in back to back games in 2021.
Yahoo Sports: 6th
Previous ranking: 7th
“The Lions have entered the tier of teams that can be without offensive standouts like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs and it doesn’t matter. Also, we’re soon going to have to talk about Aidan Hutchinson as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.”
CBS: 5th
Previous ranking: 9th
“They face a tough road game in Tampa against the Buccaneers this week. This team is for real at 4-1 under Dan Campbell.”
The Athletic: 4th
Previous ranking: 7th
“Second-round tight end Sam LaPorta is one of the best rookies in the league and a big reason the Lions are fourth in the league in scoring (29.6). LaPorta leads all tight ends with 25 catches for 289 yards. Throw in the fact that running back Jahmyr Gibbs has shown flashes and second-round safety Brian Branch might be a star, and Detroit is in the running for the best draft of 2023, not to mention the third-best team in the NFC.”