The Detroit Lions are flying high after an impressive 24–9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on Sunday, October 19. With that win, Detroit improved to 5–2 heading into their bye week — and national analysts now have them pegged as one of the NFL’s premier teams.
Lions Claim the Top Spot in Power Rankings
Across multiple outlets, the Lions have officially climbed to the No. 1 position in Week 8 Power Rankings. Both ESPN and the NFL’s official website placed Detroit atop their lists.
NFL writer Eric Edholm praised the team’s balance, noting that while Jared Goff’s first-half interception gifted Tampa Bay some points, the offense and defense dominated after halftime.
“The Lions might have absorbed the Chiefs’ toughest shot in Week 6,” Edholm wrote, “but they answered with a commanding win over a strong Buccaneers team — one they could easily meet again in the postseason.”
Amon-Ra St. Brown Enters the Record Books
While the team celebrated another big win, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown reached a remarkable personal milestone. On Tuesday, October 21, the Lions announced on X (formerly Twitter) that St. Brown had become the first player in franchise history to record touchdown catches in four consecutive Monday Night Football games.
Detroit’s social media team spotlighted the achievement with the caption:
“Primetime players make primetime plays.”
It’s a fitting tribute to one of Detroit’s most consistent offensive stars.
Jahmyr Gibbs Steals the Show on the Ground
St. Brown wasn’t the only one making headlines. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs turned in a monster performance, totaling 218 yards from scrimmage and two rushing touchdowns, per ESPN.
Gibbs’ highlight moment came midway through the second quarter when he broke loose for a 78-yard touchdown run, hitting a top speed of 22.2 mph — the fastest recorded rushing touchdown by any offensive player this season, according to Next Gen Stats.
ESPN’s Eric Woodyard noted that Gibbs is the only player over the last three seasons to hit 22 mph on a rushing TD — and he’s done it twice, including a 70-yard burst against the Tennessee Titans earlier this year.
Since the start of the 2022 season, Detroit holds a 13–4 record following a loss, second only to the Kansas City Chiefs (11–2) during that span, per ESPN Research.
National Media Crowns the Lions
The Lions’ recent dominance has media outlets in unison — Detroit looks like the most complete team in football.
Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano wrote, “Detroit rebounded beautifully after the Kansas City loss. They may not be flawless, but they’re as balanced as any team in the league.”
Alternative Fix Sports also ranked the Lions at No. 1, with Amber Reed highlighting their resilience:
“The secondary was depleted, injuries kept piling up — yet the Lions still found a way to respond.”
Looking Ahead
After a well-deserved bye week, the Lions will return to action on Sunday, November 2, to face their NFC North rivals, the Minnesota Vikings. With momentum, depth, and history on their side, Detroit’s roar is only getting louder.
