The Detroit Lions came into the 2024 NFL season with a roar, snatching a dramatic 26-20 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams and setting the stage for what might be a historic season. Their early performance has catapulted them to the top echelons of various NFL power rankings, with some analysts even touting them as NFC favorites.
Jameson Williams was a standout performer against the Rams. Despite widespread doubts over his career trajectory marred by injuries and suspensions, Williams electrified fans and pundits alike with his dynamic play. Alec Karsten from Pride of Detroit noted that Williams had six touches for 134 total yards, including a crucial 52-yard touchdown reception that left veteran Rams cornerback Tre’Davious White eating his dust. His performance earned him the game ball, and Williams himself confidently declared, “I don’t plan on this being my best game of my career.” Alec Karsten, Pride of Detroit
Newcomer defensive back Terrion Arnold also made waves, finishing his debut with eight tackles in the overtime thriller. Detroit’s coach Dan Campbell praised Arnold, saying, “He’s got a lot to clean up, but yet man, it was very promising. He was in stride. He showed up for us, and he’s only gonna get better and better,” per Eric Woodyard from ESPN. Eric Woodyard, ESPN
Their gutsy win and individual standout performances have reflected in their power rankings. According to Yahoo Sports, the Lions are now considered one of the top three teams in the league. They ranked Detroit at No. 3 after showing the grit and physicality necessary to win tight games. Interestingly, the same publication sees them as potential NFC favorites after bullying the Rams into submission. Yahoo Sports
Nationally, optimism for the Lions is sky-high. NFL.com placed them at No. 3, highlighting their resilience and ability to grind out tough wins. Over at Sports Illustrated, the Lions are in the second spot, with analysts noting, “The fact that Detroit can call on this physicality and ride it like a superpower during the more rigorous moments of the game should have put the league on notice.”
Despite moving up in the ranks, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Alex Reno from Pride of Detroit underscored concerns about the secondary and overall depth at wide receiver. While Jared Goff’s performance was less than stellar, with the quarterback struggling to find his rhythm, there is cautious optimism. Reno points out that Goff’s track record suggests he can bounce back from poor outings. Moreover, the coaching staff needs to shore up defensive schemes to prevent easy first downs, something Campbell and his team are likely aware of after their Week 1 win. Alex Reno, Pride of Detroit
Overall, the early results are promising for the Detroit Lions. They’ve shown resilience, individual brilliance, and the mental fortitude needed to win nail-biting games. As Campbell put it, “We gotta get better every week. Just a little bit better next week, and we’ll be good.” If they continue this trajectory, they may very well roar their way to the top of the NFC.
What other sites are saying about this topic
Week 2 NFL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, plus who had the best performance for every team? from ESPN
Where Detroit Lions rank on power ranking lists after Week 1 win over Rams from WDIV
NFL Week 2 Power Rankings: Cowboys on the move, Lions make top 3 from Yahoo Sports
NFL leaders: Top passing, rushing, receiving, defensive stats after Week 1 from USA TODAY Sports
Tide Watch NFL Week 1: Jameson Williams electrifies in prime-time from Rivals
NFL Power Rankings Week 1: Lions show they might be NFC favorites after bullying Rams into submission from Yahoo Sports
Open thread: What is the Lions’ biggest concern following their Week 1 win over Rams? from Alex Reno, Pride Of Detroit
Lions Game Ball, Unsung Hero of Week 1: Multiple offensive players shine from Alec Karsten, Pride of Detroit