The Detroit Lions are off to a strong start this season, holding a 3-1 record heading into Week 5. Fans in Detroit are feeling good, and with the Cincinnati Bengals missing Joe Burrow, the Lions look to have an advantage going into Sunday’s matchup. Of course, no one wants to see an injury, but it certainly shifts momentum in Detroit’s favor.
Within the NFC North, the Lions already defeated the Chicago Bears but came up short against the Green Bay Packers. That Bears win had a little extra meaning—Chicago is now coached by Ben Johnson, the Lions’ former offensive coordinator who played a big role in shaping Detroit’s recent offensive success. Beating him in the Motor City made the victory even sweeter.
And now, Johnson finds himself on the receiving end of some less-than-flattering commentary. If you’ve been hoping his time in Chicago doesn’t match the success he had in Detroit, you might find this latest criticism interesting.
NFL power rankings for Week 5 have rolled out, with Detroit securing the No. 3 spot on multiple lists. Fox Sports offered a notable observation. In a piece by Ralph Vacchiano published September 30, he highlighted the obvious:
“The Lions put up 34 points on a tough Browns defense and have scored 124 total points across their last three games. It sure doesn’t look like they’re missing Ben Johnson all that much.”
In other words, Johnson’s absence hasn’t slowed Detroit down one bit.
Vacchiano placed the Philadelphia Eagles at the top of his rankings but questioned how long they can hold the spot after an uneven showing against the Buccaneers.
Lions Continue Turning Heads Across the NFL
Momentum is building around Detroit with each passing week. In the latest Week 5 power rankings, also released on September 30, Eric Edholm slotted the Lions at No. 3.
“Detroit wasn’t explosive offensively against Cleveland, but no one has been this season,” Edholm explained. “It’s already the second time in four weeks that the Lions’ offense has looked limited, though they’ve still protected the ball well. Five offensive penalties were uncharacteristic, and the chemistry between Jared Goff and Jameson Williams is still a work in progress.”
The Lions now prepare to face the Bengals before heading toward their Week 8 bye. If they can stack a few more wins, Detroit could head into the break with serious momentum.
