On December 29, 1957, the Detroit Lions were undisputedly the best team in the NFL. They won their last championship that day. That was also the end of Jim Brown’s rookie season, nine years before the first Super Bowl and just under twelve years before man first walked on the moon.
Since that day, it’s arguable that the Lions haven’t spent a single week as the NFL’s best team. That is changing. Picking another team as the best in football about halfway through the season, when the Kansas City Chiefs have yet to lose, is a good way to feel stupid later. But the Lions’ dominance is undeniable.
The Lions have suffered one loss, and it was an unfortunate loss as they defeated the Buccaneers 463-216 yards. Detroit is coming off wins against the Vikings and Packers, the two biggest rivals in the division and two of the best teams in the NFL. The Lions’ DVOA rankings after Sunday night’s game are telling: first overall, third on offense, fourth on defense, first in special teams. They pass the numbers test and also the eyes test. They look dominant and can win games in different ways. Sunday’s win over the Packers was a statement for the rest of the NFL. It’s been a long time coming, but the Lions have a real chance to win a Super Bowl. They are the best team in the NFL right now.
Here are the rest of the power rankings entering Week 10 of the NFL season:
