The Detroit Lions are no longer the butt of NFL jokes—they’re contenders. After years of disappointment, Detroit finally has something to brag about. Sitting at 3-1 after defeating the Cleveland Browns, the Lions are proving they belong in the conversation as one of the league’s best. Next up: a Week 5 showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals.
A major reason for the team’s surge is quarterback Jared Goff. Despite consistently producing on the field, Goff is still one of the league’s most overlooked signal-callers, especially when it comes to national recognition and fantasy football value. You’d think his strong start to the season would change that perception. Apparently not.
This week, NFL.com’s Nick Shook released his quarterback rankings, and Goff’s placement raised eyebrows. Instead of being recognized among the elite, he landed at No. 9, sitting behind names like Matthew Stafford, Dak Prescott, and even Baker Mayfield. To make matters worse, Goff wasn’t even highlighted in the breakdown—an omission that feels disrespectful given his current form.
Now, no one’s denying Shook knows his football. But on this one? He missed badly. Goff’s performance this year easily puts him ahead of Stafford and Mayfield, and he’s more than deserving of a mention in any top-tier QB discussion.
Fortunately, not every analyst shares that view. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin ranked Goff third-best quarterback in the NFL in his own list, published a day earlier. Benjamin pointed out Goff’s nearly 74% completion rate and his leadership of one of the highest-scoring offenses in football. He praised Goff’s steady pocket presence and his ability to thrive when given solid protection.
On top of that, the NFL’s Week 5 power rankings have Detroit sitting at No. 3 overall, courtesy of Eric Edholm. While noting the Lions weren’t flashy against Cleveland, Edholm credited the team’s discipline and highlighted the developing chemistry between Goff and Jameson Williams, despite a few offensive penalties.
Bottom line? Whether or not every analyst gives Goff his due, the Lions are rolling, the fan base is energized, and Detroit looks primed to make a real postseason push.
