The Detroit Lions secured their 13th victory of the 2024 season in Week 16, defeating the Chicago Bears 34-17. This win not only extended their impressive run but also saw the Lions set several franchise records.
With this triumph, the Lions achieved their highest win total in a single season. Additionally, they surpassed their previous bests for points and touchdowns scored in a single campaign.
However, despite the Lions’ success, the Minnesota Vikings are still closely competing with them, having defeated the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. If Detroit wins in Week 17 and the Vikings lose, the Lions will clinch both the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
In Week 17, the Lions will travel to face the San Francisco 49ers, who have already been eliminated from playoff contention. Meanwhile, the Vikings will host the Green Bay Packers.
Before looking ahead to those matchups, here’s where experts have ranked the Lions in their NFL power rankings for Week 17.
NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Detroit Lions
- Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: 3 (+1)
Iyer: “The Lions smashed their cold-weather narrative with Jared Goff, and their injury-riddled defense also rose to the occasion in Chicago. They flexed again as the NFC’s best team with the Eagles getting grinched.” - Taylor Wirth, NBC Sports: 1 (no change)
Wirth: “It’s wild to think there are three teams still competing for the NFC’s top seed because it feels like Detroit should have locked it up weeks ago. They’re just that much better than everyone else.” - Lou Scataglia, NFL Spin Zone: 3 (no change)
Scataglia: “I am not sure Detroit is the best team in football at this point, but you just never know if they could get some players back as the playoffs near. Detroit probably has Super Bowl aspirations this year, but it may be too hard to overcome their mounting injuries.” - Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: 3 (+1)
Johnson: “Even without David Montgomery, the Detroit Lions offense is phenomenal and clearly capable of putting up 30-plus points with relative ease. However, the concern remains how this injury-riddled defense will fare in a potential playoff matchup. We seem destined for the Week 18 Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings matchup to determine the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Right now, we give the nod to the healthier team.”
