The Detroit Lions are flying high after their dominant 24-9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on Sunday, October 19. Now sitting at 5-2 entering their bye week, the Lions are being discussed as one of the NFL’s elite teams this season.
In the latest NFL Week 8 Power Rankings, both ESPN and the NFL’s official website placed Detroit at No. 1. In a feature published Tuesday, October 21, Eric Edholm of NFL.com wrote, “Jared Goff’s interception before halftime gifted the Buccaneers some points, but the Lions’ offense answered with a touchdown drive to open the third quarter, while the defense was dominant all night despite tough conditions.”
He continued, “The Lions may have taken the Chiefs’ best shot in Week 6, but they unleashed their frustration on a talented Buccaneers squad they could face again come January.”
Experts clearly agree that the Lions are leading the league. Meanwhile, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown made franchise history during Sunday’s game, earning special recognition from the team during the bye.
Detroit Lions Wide Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown Makes Franchise History
On Tuesday, October 21, the Lions posted across their social media channels, “Primetime players make primetime plays,” announcing that St. Brown became the first player in franchise history to record touchdown receptions in four consecutive Monday Night Football games. It’s an incredible milestone and a well-deserved honor for the star receiver.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs also had a standout performance, totaling 218 yards and two rushing touchdowns, according to ESPN. Since the start of the 2022 season, Detroit is 13-4 following a loss, the second-best record in the NFL over that stretch behind the Kansas City Chiefs (11-2), per ESPN Research.
“Gibbs broke loose up the middle for a career-long 78-yard touchdown run with 5:51 left in the first half,” wrote Eric Woodyard of ESPN on Tuesday, October 21. “His top speed hit 22.2 mph, the fastest rushing touchdown by any offensive player this season, per Next Gen Stats. He’s the only player in the last three seasons to reach 22 mph on a rushing TD — and he’s done it twice, including a 70-yard score against the Titans in 2024.”
We already noted the Lions topping ESPN and NFL.com’s Week 8 Power Rankings, but Fox Sports also ranks them No. 1. In his Tuesday column, Ralph Vacchiano wrote, “The Lions rebounded impressively from their Kansas City loss with a commanding win over Tampa Bay. They’re not flawless, but they’re versatile and might be the most complete team in the league.”
Alternative Fix Sports likewise placed Detroit at No. 1, with Amber Reed adding, “Even with a depleted secondary and mounting injuries, the Lions found a way to respond.”
So, the Lions have become the team to beat. Their next matchup comes against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, November 2.
