On the heels of a 20-16 loss in Atlanta in Week 16, the Detroit Lions now have the NFL’s second-worst record at 2-12-1. Only the Jacksonville Jaguars sport a worse record.
So it’s fitting that the Jaguars are the only team below the Lions in the latest wave of NFL power polls. The Lions slide in at 31st in this week’s updates from both Touchdown Wire and USA TODAY.
It’s a regression in the rankings in each. As Touchdown Wire noted in dropping the Lions from 28th to 31st,
The Lions had opportunities but failed to take advantage of them. A long drive stalled at the goal line leaving points on the field and a late fumble by the Falcons put Detroit in prime position to escape with a win. Instead, Lions QB Tim Boyle, who started for Jared Goff (COVID), threw a pick to seal the 20-16 final.
The Lions also check in at No. 31 on ESPN’s latest power poll. At this late juncture of the season, you are what your record says you are. The Lions going 2-4-1 over the last seven weeks (better than the Ravens, Seahawks and Saints among others) doesn’t overcome the hideous start to the season for Detroit.