The Detroit Lions are back and so are the NFL power rankings. Just like last year, we'll be doing a weekly roundup of some of the biggest power rankings every week. Here's how they looked this week.
Previous ranking: 4th
"In his NFL debut, Arnold finished with eight total tackles in Detroit's overtime win over the Rams. The rookie took 97% of snaps and appeared up and down at times while facing veteran QB Matthew Stafford , WR Cooper Kupp and a potent Rams offense. "It's very evident it's not too big for him," coach Dan Campbell said of Arnold on Monday. "He's got a lot to clean up, but yet man, it was very promising. He was in stride. He showed up for us, and he's only gonna get better and better." - Eric Woodyard
Previous ranking: 7th
"They nearly fretted away a lead against the Rams, but showed their physical toughness to win it in overtime. The pass defense has to tighten up a bit." -Pete Prisco
Previous ranking: 3rd
"The Lions almost had a carbon copy tough test against the Rams at home like they did in the playoffs, but they once again dug deep and showed they can be resilient offensively and defensively — and work overtime if needed — under Dan Campbell." -Vinnie Iyer
Previous ranking: 2nd
"The Lions won the game with an eight-play, 70-yard touchdown drive in overtime. Seven of those plays were runs that covered 60 yards. It was Dan Campbell’s dream drive. This might be his dream team, too. Jared Goff was fine. David Montgomery had 91 rushing yards. Maybe most importantly, Jameson Williams had his first 100-yard receiving game, finishing with five catches for 121 yards." -Josh Kendall
Previous ranking: 2nd
"There was a fourth-and-2 play early Sunday night in which the Lions ran it up the middle and got it. How many other teams would run up the middle in that situation? That's what happens when you have what might be the NFL's best offensive line. It was a precursor for overtime, when the Lions got the ball first and ran it on seven of eight plays to score the walk-off winner." -Frank Schwab
Previous ranking: N/A
"How much of a flex was Dan Campbell’s team taking the overtime coin flip and absolutely jamming the ball down the Rams’ throats? The fact that Detroit can call on this physicality and ride it like a superpower during the more rigorous moments of the game should have put the league on notice. If that wasn’t scary enough, Jameson Williams is as good as advertised and is playing like he heard all the snide remarks while he rehabbed from a draft year torn ACL." -Connor Orr
Previous ranking: 2nd
"It’s not the Lions’ fault they dropped a spot, the 49ers were simply that impressive. Meanwhile, I don’t know if there was a cooler moment in Week 1 than Detroit marching down the field for a walk-off winner in overtime against the Rams. This is such a complete team, and the emergence of Jameson Williams could open a whole new world of possibilities." -David Helman
Related: Lions film study: Marcus Davenport caused a lot of problems for the Rams on Sunday night
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