Lions Receive a Mixed Review in Latest NFL Power Rankings
The Detroit Lions head into the 2025 season determined to bounce back from their disappointing 2024 playoff exit. Despite posting an impressive 15-2 regular season record, the Lions were plagued by injuries, particularly on defense, with 16 players placed on injured reserve, 13 of them defensive players. This injury-ravaged squad ultimately fell to the Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs, with their thin roster unable to overcome the mounting challenges.
As we approach the 2025 season, it seems some have forgotten just how dominant the Lions were during the regular season. A playoff loss tends to overshadow any past success, especially when you factor in the numerous practice-squad players thrust into starting roles on defense. Yet, most still consider the Lions one of the NFL’s elite teams, though not quite at the very top.
In the latest power rankings following the NFL Draft, Eric Edholm of NFL.com placed the Lions at fifth overall. This ranking might feel a bit harsh to some, as the four teams above Detroit are the Eagles, Ravens, Chiefs, and Bills. While I can understand placing the Super Bowl teams above the Lions, I firmly believe Detroit is on par, if not better, than both Baltimore and Buffalo.
Looking back at last season, aside from the crippling injuries—arguably the main reason for their postseason collapse—there weren’t many weaknesses on the Lions’ roster. The secondary did have its flaws, with rookie Terrion Arnold struggling at times, but the pass rush was one of the league’s best before injuries sidelined key players like Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill. The run defense remained stout even with those setbacks, and the offense was consistently one of the most potent in the league.
Given that the Lions haven’t significantly regressed on paper, it’s tough to justify why they would be ranked below both the Bills and Ravens. Detroit strengthened its defense in the offseason by signing cornerback D.J. Reed, who would have been the best player in that position for the Lions last year, replacing Carlton Davis who moved to New England.
While some might worry about the interior defensive line with McNeill’s injury lingering until December, the addition of D.J. Reader and the drafting of Tyliek Williams alleviates much of that concern. The only real issue is the interior offensive line, following the loss of Kevin Zeitler, but as Edholm pointed out, Detroit addressed depth by drafting Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier.
Even though the Ravens and Bills both posted impressive records last season—13-4 and 12-5, respectively—thanks to relatively healthy rosters, analysts seem to think their veteran acquisitions (such as 30-year-old Joey Bosa and 33-year-old DeAndre Hopkins) are enough to propel them ahead of the Lions in terms of talent.
That said, I’ll admit to nitpicking here. Five years ago, Lions fans would have been thrilled with a top-five ranking, so it’s a sign of progress that we now expect even more. Only time will tell how the season unfolds, but I’m confident that when the games begin in September, the Lions will prove they belong among the very best.
