clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Week 7 NFL power rankings: Lions plummet, but Packers drop further

The Lions had a bad game, but the Packers had a worse week.

By Jeremy Reisman

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

NFL: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints The Advertiser-USA TODAY Sports

It was just two weeks ago when the Detroit Lions were ranked No. 2 in the entire NFL in a few weekly power ranking columns. But after getting humbled by the Panthers and Saints in back-to-back weeks, the Lions have fallen into the pool of mediocrity.

Most of the national power rankings have Detroit listed between right in the middle of the league, ranging from as high as 13th to as low as 20th. Considering the inconsistencies, and their overall 3-3 record, that seems more than fair. Check out the specifics below.

SB Nation (“hope rankings”): 19th (down 22)
ESPN: 14th (down 1)
Washington Post: 20th (down 11)
Bleacher Report (Simms): 14th (down 6)**
Yahoo! Sports: 15th (down 6)**
USA Today: 13th (down 3)
CBS: 15th (down 5)
NFL.com: 16th (down 10)

What’s also interesting about these power rankings is how they’ve shaken up the NFC North teams after Aaron Rodgers suffered a broken collarbone. The Green Bay Packers are plummeting after the injury, falling at least 10 spots in every power ranking listed. Take a look:

SB Nation (“hope rankings”): 28th (down 24)
ESPN: 16th (down 14)
Washington Post: 16th (down 14)
Bleacher Report (Simms): 17th (down 12)
Yahoo! Sports: 16th (down 14)
USA Today: 21st (down 17)
CBS: 12th (down 10)
NFL.com: 15th (down 12)

If you’re keeping score, five of eight power rankings have the Lions above the Packers right now. That’s how much of a difference Aaron Rodgers makes in Packers optimism.

Unsurprisingly, the Vikings rank above the Lions and Packers in every single power ranking listed—except one. The Lions are actually ranked above the Vikings in USA Today’s listings, perhaps because—you know—Detroit beat Minnesota in Minnesota. Overall, the Vikings rank as high as seventh and as low as 14th.

As for the Lions, they’ll likely stay among the gooey center of NFL power rankings for a couple weeks now that they are officially on their bye week. When they return, they’ll face another team that has battled mediocrity at times: the 4-2 Pittsburgh Steelers.

More From Pride Of Detroit