The Lions Power ranking: 3rd Previous rank: 3rd Out of the remaining playoff teams, Detroit lands only behind the 49ers and Ravens. Detroit’s roster should be feeling an extremely high level of confidence, as they were able to overcome a significant hurdle by defeating the Rams to advance in the postseason. Another home game against the Buccaneers awaits Dan Campbell’s squad, as they have a legitimate opportunity to land in the NFC Title game. Sporting News Power ranking: 5th Previous rank: 7th The Lions got Jared Goff to play confident and well at home, avoiding critical mistakes. They also ran hard and well at key times in a tough spot vs. the Rams. Getting the pass rush and red zone prowess from the young defense will be key again. The good news for Goff is staying at home to get the Buccaneers, whom the Lions beat 20-6 in Tampa during the regular season. Related: Dan Campbell: ‘Stay Off Our Train, It’s Too Late For You’ Pro Football Network Power ranking: 4th Previous rank: 6th The Lions completed their miraculous turnaround on Sunday by winning their first playoff game in over 30 years. Detroit’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams ended up being the best contest of the weekend as the Lions held on for a tight 24-23 victory. While the Lions can match points with anyone, the team’s defense is still an issue. Detroit only gave up 23 points, but it allowed the Rams to post 425 total yards at 7.7 yards per clip. Fortunately, the Lions won’t have to face Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford next week. A Divisional Round game against either the Eagles or Bucs will offer a reprieve for Detroit’s defense. Yahoo! Power ranking: 5th Previous rank: 5th It was close, but a win is a win and Lions fans will take it after all the years of futility in Detroit. Could the 24-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams be the beginning of an NFL Playoffs run? NFL.com Power ranking: 4th Previous rank: 5th If you’re a Lions fan and you wanted a second shot at the Cowboys, I completely understand. But when second prize is another home playoff game, no one is going to be standing in the return aisle. Detroit has enjoyed a storybook season to this point, and with second-seeded Dallas falling, the road to the Super Bowl is theoretically smoother. Yes, Lions fans, it’s OK to dream that big right now. No, the 24-23 win over the Rams didn’t come easily, as Los Angeles outplayed Detroit for stretches in that second half. But with a few key red zone stops and a couple of massive conversions late, the Lions were the grittier team late. That’s what Dan Campbell has defaulted to when things have gotten tough, and it’s gotten his group this far. Why can’t Jared Goff get this team to the promised land? The Lions will have to pray their defense can hold up, but this is as tough a non-Niners out as there is left in the NFC.
Power Rankings: Are Lions the Best Team Remaining in Playoffs…
By Mikesportz
