NFL Week 9 power rankings: Lions stuck in the 30s as they search for their first win

The Detroit Lions are 0-8 on the season and with that record comes plenty of hot takes, lazy jokes, and national criticism. Coming off arguably their worst loss of the season to the now 3-5 Philadelphia Eagles, the negativity is dialed up a few more notches.

Some of this, of course, is warranted because of how the team is currently performing, but it’s also fairly clear which analysts actually watched the game and which ones are just reading box scores.

Last week, Monday Morning Quarterback’s Connor Orr looked at the bigger picture and ranked the Lions 18 in his power rankings. And while he would probably want to modify that number this week, the MMQB rotates writers for their power rankings each week and it was Mitch Goldich’s turn to share his thoughts.

MMQB: 30 (Previous: 18)

“My Lions takes are probably not particularly original. Dan Campbell began as a curiosity and he has quickly won me over with his sincerity and enthusiasm. The NFL’s last winless team is at the start of a deep rebuild, but is not the worst team in the league. I’d be happy to see them get at least one win this year, and they’ll probably get in that three-game stretch against the Bears, Vikings, and Broncos in Weeks 12 to 14.” — MMQB’s rotating writers

Once again, MMQB takes a longer view approach of the team and where they are headed instead of simply taking the opportunity to mock Detroit. The rest of the analysts, well, you can judge for yourself.

NFL.com: 31 (Previous: 30)

“The Lions are 0-8 for the first time since their infamous winless season of 2008, and their performance in Sunday’s 44-6 loss to the Eagles makes you concerned for all parties involved in Detroit. Dan Campbell’s team failed in all phases against Philadelphia, but pass protection has reached a crisis point with offensive tackle Taylor Decker and center Frank Ragnow sidelined with injuries. Jared Goff was sacked five times in the loss, including four sacks in the first half alone. Goff is not a nimble man in the pocket, but he has no chance when Detroit is getting worked up front like they were on Sunday.” — Dan Hanzus

ESPN: 32 (Previous: 32)

“Biggest Achilles’ heel: Offense

“Following a 44-6 loss to the Eagles on Halloween, the Lions fell to 0-8 for the first time since the infamous 0-16 season. Coach Dan Campbell acknowledged that the offense looked ‘very anemic,’ which has been the case all season. The Lions rank near the bottom of nearly every offensive category, notably offensive efficiency and points scored. Jared Goff has suffered 11 consecutive losses, including the playoffs, which is the longest active streak for any quarterback. Tight end T.J. Hockenson feels that the offense hasn’t been able to overcome self-inflicted wounds such as penalties and mistakes in critical moments. ‘That’s what good offenses do is be able to keep moving the ball and overcome mistakes that you make on yourself,’ Hockenson said.” — Eric Woodyard

USA Today: 32 (Previous: 30)

“Detroit had a Hall of Famer – WR Calvin Johnson – on the 0-16 2008 team. That group would probably beat these guys by 17 ... maybe 15 if accounting for a Dan Orlovsky self-safety.” — Nate Davis

Yahoo Sports: 31 (Previous: 30)

“The Lions have mostly played hard but Sunday’s 44-6 loss was embarrassing all around. The focus from here on out has to be getting one win, because nobody remembers the one-win teams through history. Everyone remembers the winless teams forever.” — Frank Schwab

CBS Sports: 32 (Previous: 31)

“So much for the idea that they were competing each week. It was awful against the Eagles. The talent just isn’t there.” — Pete Prisco

Sporting News: 32 (Previous: 32)

“The Lions lost all their fight against Philadelphia. They were listless offensively with more poor play from Goff and wilted defensively from wire to wire. At least they won’t lose in Week 9 — only because they have a bye.” — Vinnie Iyer

Washington Post: 32 (Previous: 32)

“The Lions might be capable of becoming the first 0-17 team in NFL history. They’ve had their near-misses this season, but that wasn’t one of them Sunday. They weren’t competitive at home, not even close, to an Eagles team that came in at 2-5. That’s really bad.” — Mark Maske ($ubscription required)