NFL Week 8 power rankings: Detroit Lions on the rise following victory over Packers

Detroit Lions’ 20-17 Week 7 win over the Green Bay Packers has pushed the team up national NFL power rankings for Week 8. Detroit is now 4-2 and has won two straight. Half of the power-rank lists placed the Lions in the Top 10, while the rest ranked them just outside. Sports Illustrated moved Detroit to No. 7 from No. 11, citing an “season-altering” defensive performance and very low opponent success rates despite questions about how strong Green Bay would look. The Athletic has the Lions at No. 9, still flagging concerns in pass defense and noting the fourth-worst expected points added per play on dropbacks against. Yahoo Sports lists Detroit at No. 10 and points to safety Brian Branch’s return, when he posted four tackles and an interception and played 45 snaps (67%). CBS Sports also has them at No. 10, highlighting Jared Goff’s high-level offense and questioning Dan Campbell’s tendency to go for it.