It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen an NFL crew just like the Detroit Lions. What we imply is, in a league of profound parity, the Lions have distinguished themselves as a real juggernaut. In the event that they play poor competitors, they completely humiliate it with out a second thought. In the event that they play strong playoff contenders, their quarterback might have 5 turnovers, they usually’ll nonetheless discover a solution to win. That may be a uncommon factor to see in immediately’s NFL, and it makes Detroit really feel unstoppable — at the very least within the context of the NFC.
So, who can problem the Lions within the convention? We’ll nominate two groups at this juncture.
First up is the Philadelphia Eagles, who formally have the league’s prime protection since Week 6. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has spearheaded a unit that forces everybody into irreparable errors. Jalen Hurts stays an enormous query mark, however Philadelphia’s glut of elite offensive weapons — particularly Saquon Barkley — may have the ability to overcome him.
Then you’ve got the Arizona Cardinals. We’re not sure if Arizona has sufficient horses on protection, but it surely does make well timed performs on that aspect of the ball. Extra importantly, Kyler Murray is enjoying a number of the greatest soccer of his profession and appears like a real top-10 quarterback. These varieties of men can steal video games on the highway in case you allow them to dangle round.
We nonetheless most likely wouldn’t decide anybody in opposition to the Lions within the NFC proper now. They’re certainly that good. But when somebody does find yourself toppling them this January, don’t be shocked if it’s one of many Eagles or Cardinals. They really feel just like the most probably suspects.
The Lions are a serious focus of For The Win’s Week 12 NFL Energy Rankings, which has a brand new No. 1 crew (a straightforward guess) and a No. 2 crew for the primary time in over a month. Let’s verify in to see the place everybody within the league stands as we close to Thanksgiving.
Lon Horwedel-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 32
“Exit and win or else Doug Pederson is fired” resulted in a 52-6 defeat. Even in opposition to the wealthy tapestry of Jaguars’ failures, this feels particularly pathetic. — Christian D’Andrea
Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 30
Turnover luck is a fickle mistress, however I’m undecided it might account for Las Vegas’ 20 turnovers misplaced and 5 turnovers gained via 10 video games. The protection that rose as much as get Antonio Pierce the full-time teaching job has shrunk and the Raiders are doomed to a different misplaced season consequently. —CD
Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean/USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 31
Will Levis threw a 98-yard landing move on Sunday in one thing straight out of a Madden recreation. With the way in which Tennessee’s season has gone up to now, it’ll be one of many solely true highlights in one other abysmal marketing campaign in Nashville. — Robert Zeglinski
Bob Donnan-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 29
Bryce Younger had the total bye week to prep himself as a viable starter following the primary win streak of his NFL profession. Working in his favor is a showdown with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and their merely common passing protection. Working in opposition to him is the truth that, properly, it’s the Chiefs, and he’ll most likely be trailing early and throwing the ball a ton in opposition to alternating blitzes and stacked secondaries. — CD
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports activities
Final week’s rank: 28
Tommy DeVito is about to start out a Thanksgiving recreation. I repeat, Tommy “His Mom Nonetheless Makes His Mattress” DeVito is about to start out a Thanksgiving recreation. Properly, at the very least I’ll be asleep by the point the sport really comes on. — RZ
Stephen Lew-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 25
Jameis Winston is extra enjoyable than Deshaun Watson, which hasn’t led to extra wins however has made watching the Browns barely much less hopeless. Poor Myles Garrett. — CD
Brad Penner-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 23
Aaron Rodgers hasn’t thrown for 300 yards in a recreation all season. He’s averaging his lowest yards per move try and has his lowest passer score since his two preliminary non-starter seasons in Inexperienced Bay … almost 20 years in the past. The Jets are 3-8 and will already be trying towards the 2025 draft. Good factor they offered their souls for a 40-year-old with nearly nothing left within the tank! — RZ
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 21
Dallas survived an prolonged stretch with Cooper Rush at quarterback due to a potent working recreation and a prime 5 protection. The 2024 Cowboys have neither. However at the very least they’ve acquired two extra primetime video games and what could be the least watchable Thanksgiving recreation in league historical past on the way in which! — CD
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 27
Per week after capturing the primary win of his profession, Drake Maye went toe to toe with Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay and … held his personal. Even in defeat, Maye was electrical in opposition to Los Angeles, as he constantly threw New England’s underwhelming playmakers open and nearly rallied the Patriots to an unlikely comeback win. Suffice it to say, the Patriots, as soon as once more, have A Man beneath heart. — RZ
Daniel Bartel-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 24
Firing Shane Waldron will not be a full-time repair, however Thomas Brown labored wonders by simplifying Caleb Williams’ recreation plan right down to fast passes and a directive to run as quickly as his pockets collapsed. Because of this, Williams had his greatest recreation in a month and took solely a single sack within the first 57 minutes of Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers earlier than the Bears misplaced in a tremendously Bears approach. — CD
Brad Penner-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 22
I ought to’ve recognized Anthony Richardson would’ve responded to his benching with among the best performances of his younger profession. After sitting for a few weeks, Richardson returned to finish 66 % of his passes and gathered over 300 yards of offense in opposition to what continues to be a gifted Jets protection. It’s only one recreation, however that’s the way you restore hope for the long run. — RZ
Stephen Lew-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 26
The Saints had a seven-game shedding streak but stay within the hunt for the NFC South title as a result of the Atlanta Falcons are ceaselessly enjoying poker with a deck of Sonic coupons. New Orleans is 2-0 since firing Dennis Allen. That received’t final, but it surely may persuade administration there’s nonetheless juice to be squeezed from this roster quite than begin an earnest rebuild. The Saints shouldn’t try this, however admittedly, it could be very humorous to look at. — CD
Jim Rassol-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 20
After taking a haymaker to the face from the Buffalo Payments, Miami rebounded with two decisive wins over the Raiders and Los Angeles Rams. It’s most likely too late to salvage any that means out of Miami’s season. However it’s good to see Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa make candy music collectively once more, with hopes of 2025 giving them higher fortune. — RZ
Sam Greene/The Enquirer/USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 17
Cincinnati could also be pressured to merely play spoiler this yr, as its 1-6 document in video games determined by one possession has dropped their playoff odds to 14 %, per ESPN. Joe Burrow’s offense continued to shine with Tee Higgins within the lineup, which makes the actual fact that is most likely Higgins’ final season with the crew much more of a bummer. — CD
Denny Medley-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 16
A bye week was mandatory for Todd Bowles’ Bucs to regroup. Tampa Bay entered its midseason break with three straight heartbreaking one-possession losses, largely marred by Bowles’ underperforming protection, in addition to his poor recreation administration. Due to the Falcons’ latest struggles, an NFC South division title stays in sight. We’ll see whether or not an MVP-caliber season from Baker Mayfield (alone) can reel it in. — RZ
David Gonzales-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 19
Geno Smith lastly acquired a win in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers. The query now’s whether or not that’s an announcement concerning the Seahawks’ postseason worthiness or the Niners’ championship window quickly deteriorating. Which will rely upon Seattle’s offensive line gelling with Abe Lucas again within the lineup and Olu Oluwatimi taking up at heart. — CD
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 8
Oooof. Shedding to the Saints amidst a post-coach firing bounce? High quality. Getting scuttled by Bo Nix? CONCERNING. Atlanta had no reply for the rookie quarterback and couldn’t arise in a shootout in opposition to a top-five protection. This all bodes very poorly for the Falcons’ hopes of a protracted playoff run. Luckily for them, they’ve nonetheless acquired a strong cushion within the NFC South and 7 extra weeks to determine what they’re able to. — CD
David Gonzales-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 11
San Francisco has had a middling protection all season. With out Christian McCaffrey within the fold for many of the yr, Kyle Shanahan’s offense has been missing juice, particularly in regard to yards after the catch. Because of this, the 49ers are simply 5-5 with three backbreaking losses to NFC West rivals. It isn’t but time to bury the defending NFC champions in 2024. They’ve come again from worse. However you may undoubtedly see the Grim Reaper looming within the background. — RZ
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 18
Sean Payton’s Broncos needs to be displeased they don’t get to play one other NFC South crew this season. Denver went 4-0 in opposition to the NFL’s second-worst division, with a convincing 125-to-37 scoring margin. That success is likely to be sufficient to push the Broncos to the AFC playoffs and to get enthusiastic about Payton and a immediately super-promising Bo Nix. — RZ
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 15
The Rams have one loss of their final 5 video games. Matthew Stafford has thrown 10 landing passes to 4 interceptions and been sacked simply 5 whole instances in that span. Oh, and Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp have been not possible to cowl as a duo. These numbers are intertwined with Los Angeles saving its once-dead season. — RZ
Nov 18, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Texans extensive receiver Nico Collins (12) reacts after making a primary down through the first quarter in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 10
Nico Collins’s return helped make C.J. Stroud look extra competent, however offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik continues to regress with unimaginative playcalling. Perhaps he’s simply saving the good things for the playoffs? — CD
Eric Hartline-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 9
For 2 consecutive weeks, the Commanders flew too near the solar. That’s as a result of Jayden Daniels was significantly much less efficient in opposition to two of the league’s higher defenses. The Offensive Rookie of the Yr frontrunner produced solely roughly 400 whole yards of offense and only one landing in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles. He did nothing on the bottom. Because it stands, Washington can’t afford no-shows from Daniels. — RZ
Michael Chow/The Republic/USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 14
Arizona can boast wins over playoff contenders just like the Los Angeles Chargers, 49ers, and Rams. It even hung with the Lions for 60 minutes. Kyler Murray is having his greatest season in years, and Jonathan Gannon is pushing all the fitting buttons. It’s time to start out taking the Cardinals severely as an NFC superpower in what is likely to be the NFL’s greatest division, the NFC West. — RZ
Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 13
Jim Harbaugh simply retains profitable. On Sunday night time, that meant staring within the face of many years of Chargers-ing and touchdown a knockout punch to maintain the Bengals mired in distress. Los Angeles would profit from some further depth and a pair extra dependable offensive weapons, however Justin Herbert is enjoying a number of the greatest soccer of his profession and needs to be an actual headache come the playoffs this winter. — CD
Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 7
The Packers have been outgained, had extra turnovers, and have been on the ropes with mere seconds remaining. If not for the Matt Eberflus of all of it, Inexperienced Bay most likely leaves Chicago with a painful blemish on its document. With that mentioned, an encouraging clutch efficiency from Christian Watson, who had two deep catches within the fourth quarter, is sufficient to really feel hopeful about this NFC playoff darkish horse. — RZ
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 3
Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh was an ideal instance of what is likely to be Baltimore’s deadly flaw this yr. Lamar Jackson was good however not nice. Derrick Henry was good however not nice. And Justin Tucker was unhealthy, not even good. If these three aren’t bringing perfection to the desk, the Ravens is likely to be in for a brief playoff run from what definitely seems like a wild-card place proper now. — RZ
Invoice Streicher-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 12
Since their Week 5 bye, no protection within the NFL has been extra environment friendly than Philadelphia’s. Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell have grown into beginning roles, and the off-ball linebacker corps that had been an issue so a few years has seen Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean flip into one of many league’s extra reliable duos. Protection wins championships. The Eagles have the NFL’s greatest proper now. — CD
Corey Perrine/Florida Occasions-Union
Final week’s rank: 6
Minnesota is 8-2 however does simply sufficient to stitch doubt regardless of a sterling document. Sam Darnold creates too many turnover-worthy performs. Brian Flores’ protection often reveals the vulnerabilities that enable Will Levis to torch it for a 98-yard landing. The Vikings shouldn’t have an issue attending to the postseason, however as soon as there, they’ll give followers lots about which to be nervous. — CD
Barry Reeger-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 5
Russell Wilson regarded just like the Broncos model of himself, and it didn’t matter as a result of no crew within the league is best outfitted to win video games regardless of horrible quarterbacking than Pittsburgh. The Steelers continued to be the bane of Lamar Jackson’s existence. His 66.7 passer score in opposition to Pittsburgh is by far his lowest mark in opposition to any NFL opponent — and 33 factors decrease than his profession common. — CD
Mark Konezny-Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 1
Whereas they entered Buffalo undefeated, the Chiefs had been enjoying with hearth all yr. That lastly price them because the Payments managed proceedings for your entire night time in a convincing win. Now, it’s post-mortem time. Firstly, we must always deal with the offense, significantly Patrick Mahomes. The all-time nice is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions and is averaging the bottom yards per try of his illustrious profession. If he can’t create chunk performs with out backbreaking errors, then the Chiefs’ hopes of a Tremendous Bowl three-peat will finish with a thud. — RZ
Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Photos
Final week’s rank: 4
Josh Allen stays superhuman, which is precisely what the Payments want to finish a streak of postseason futility. However the extra encouraging signal from Sunday night time’s win was a rebuilt protection’s capability to restrict Patrick Mahomes’ offense to simply 5.0 yards per play — a mark roughly equal to what the Jets have put collectively in 2024 as a complete. — CD
Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photos
Final week’s rank: 2
The Lions have a degree differential of +159. They’re forward of the subsequent closest NFL crew by over 50. Should you put a cupcake in entrance of the league’s greatest crew, it’ll mash it into an indiscernible positive paste. At this level, it’s the Lions for the NFC title, then the sphere. Shoot which may even be true for the Lombardi Trophy. — RZ
