After a thrilling win over their division rivals on Sunday, the Detroit Lions’ position in the NFL Power Rankings remains largely unchanged. They are still considered one of the best two or three teams in the league.

However, due to recent developments surrounding the team – particularly Aidan Hutchinson’s devastating leg injury and their narrow 31-29 victory over the previously undefeated Minnesota Vikings – some national experts have catapulted the Lions into first place.

The Lions’ offense, currently second to the Baltimore Ravens, averages 411 yards per game.

Detroit’s running back duo Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, known as “Sonic and Knuckles,” is arguably the best tandem in the NFL. Meanwhile, quarterback Jared Goff, who is firmly in the MVP conversation, has played exceptional football, throwing seven touchdowns and no interceptions over the last three weeks.

Here’s a look at the NFL power rankings across the country and where the Lions stand heading into Week 8:

ESPN

Last week: 3

This week: 2

“As a rookie in 2023, Branch was a proven playmaker with three interceptions, primarily as a nickel cornerback. But in year two, Detroit’s coaching staff decided to move the 23-year-old to safety to give him more freedom to move within their system. Branch is a star of the early defense with four interceptions and 11 passes defended in five appearances this season. After the Lions’ win on Sunday, Branch said defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn was putting him in “positions to make plays.”

Sports Illustrated

Last week: 2

This week: 1

“There’s a new No. 1 in the Power Rankings this week that I’m sure no fan base will have any problem with. I agreed with the stats to break the tie in this game, and while the Chiefs are undefeated, the Lions currently have a far more efficient offense. They have beaten only one of only two undefeated teams and are almost identical to the Chiefs in EPA per games allowed and opponents’ success rate. Plus, the Lions are racking up style points now, and just like the old NCAA Bowl Committee, I’m drawn to shiny things (and I’m extremely corrupt). “

NBC Sports

Last week: 1

This week: no change

“If the road to New Orleans goes through Detroit, Detroit goes to New Orleans.”

The athlete

Last week: 3

This week: 1

“You could have argued before Sunday that the Lions had a weak resume. Then they defeated the NFC’s only undefeated team. Detroit is averaging a league-best 40 points per game since Week 4. Jared Goff, who has thrown seven touchdown passes and no interceptions in his last three games, leads the NFL in passer rating (111.5).”

USA TODAY

Last week: 4

This week: 3

“They lead the NFC in home-field advantage and could be even more dangerous on the road – where they are undefeated by an average margin of victory of 15.7 points.”

Bleacher Report

Last week: 3

This week: 2

“Detroit’s defense, which lost edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending leg injury last week, has also stepped up. The Vikings were just 4 of 10 on third down, and Sam Darnold was sacked four times, including one that sealed the win.

Attack. Defense. Special teams. The Lions are talented. Balanced. And absolutely real.”

CBS Sports

Last week: 2

This week: no change

“They have a dynamic offense that will continue to put up big numbers. They need to find a replacement for the injured Aidan Hutchinson. Go get Maxx Crosby.”

The Sports News

Last week: 3

This week: 2

“The Lions looked sharp again offensively by distributing the ball differently to keep Jared Goff hyper-efficient. They should be considered strong NFC favorites after beating Minnesota.”

Yahoo Sports

Last week: 4

This week: 2

“Jared Goff’s last three games: He completed 58 of 68 passes for 887 yards, seven touchdowns, no INTs and a stunning 153.1 passer rating. The two things we learned from the Lions’ win on Sunday: Detroit is a legitimate Super Bowl contender and Goff is an MVP candidate. Jameson Williams’ possible two-game suspension doesn’t help, but the Lions have the offensive depth to compensate.”

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