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The Detroit Lions had been chasing the Kansas City Chiefs for the best record in the NFL all season long, and the Lions finally caught the two-time reigning Super Bowl champions in Week 11.
The Lions did exactly what we expected them to and destroyed the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, 52-6, to improve to 9-1. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are no longer unbeaten after suffering their first loss of the season to the Buffalo Bills, 30-21.
That one loss was the only thing stopping the Lions from garnering the title of the undisputed best team in the league. Granted, the Chiefs are obviously a great team that is coming off back-to-back Super Bowl wins, but the Lions have simply been more impressive in their victories in 2024.
There had been hesitation among experts in their NFL power rankings to put the Lions in the top spot in recent weeks, even though momentum was building for Detroit to take it.
That is no longer the case.
NFL power rankings Week 12
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: 1 (+1)
Iyer: "The Lions got their offense back on track at home with Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and the running game fueling everything for Jared Goff again. They also have seen their defense improve and make more impact plays with each ensuing game, even without Aidan Hutchinson. The loss of LB Alex Anzalone (arm) for what's likely to be the rest of the regular season will hurt, though."
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: 1 (+1)
Cluff: "The Lions have won eight straight games. They are coming off a 52-6 thrashing of the Jaguars. Jared Goff is playing like an MVP. They deserve to be No. 1 this week. The question is, how long can they stay there?"
Taylor Wirth, NBC Sports: 1 (+1)
Wirth: "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new top dog. They brutally humiliated arguably the worst team in the NFL, but Jared Goff was nearly flawless after his five-pick game. "
Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: 1 (no change)
Johnson: "That’s how you handle one of the worst NFL teams. It only took a half for the Detroit Lions, with Jared Goff throwing for 200-plus yards and the backfield tandem of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs accounts for three first-half touchdowns. The Lions are the best NFL team right now and we remain steadfast in our belief that Detroit is a tier above the other best NFL teams in 2024."
Peter Dewey, Sports Illustrated: 1 (+1)
Dewey: "Detroit put up 52 points in a 52-6 rout of Jacksonville on Sunday, keeping at least a one-game buffer over everyone in the NFC. The Lions have an NFL-best +159 point differential this season."
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