Following a thrilling victory over their division rivals on Sunday, the Detroit Lions’ position in the NFL power rankings remains mostly unchanged. They are still considered one of the league’s top two or three teams.

However, with the recent developments surrounding the team—particularly Aidan Hutchinson’s devastating leg injury and their narrow 31-29 win over the previously unbeaten Minnesota Vikings—some national experts have vaulted the Lions to the No. 1 spot.

The Lions’ offense, currently ranked second behind the Baltimore Ravens, is averaging 411 yards per game.

Detroit’s running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, known as “Sonic and Knuckles,” is arguably the NFL’s best tandem. Meanwhile, quarterback Jared Goff, who is firmly in the MVP conversation, has played exceptional football, throwing seven touchdowns and no interceptions over the past three weeks.

Here’s a look at NFL power rankings from across the country and where the Lions stand heading into Week 8:

ESPN

Last Week: 3

This Week: 2

“Branch was a proven playmaker as a rookie in 2023 with three interceptions as mainly a nickel cornerback. But in Year 2, Detroit’s coaching staff decided to switch the 23-year-old to safety to allow him more freedom to roam within their system. Branch is an early breakout star for the defense with four interceptions and 11 passes defended in five appearances this season. After the Lions’ victory Sunday, Branch said defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn was putting him in “positions to make plays.”

Sports Illustrated

Last Week: 2

This Week: 1

“A new No. 1 in the Power Rankings this week, which I’m sure no fan base will have any problem with at all. I allowed the stats to break the tie in this one, and while the Chiefs are undefeated, the Lions have a far more efficient offense right now, they just beat one of two lone undefeated teams and are nearly identical to the Chiefs in terms of EPA per play allowed and opponent success rate. Plus, the Lions are racking up style points now and, just like the old NCAA bowl committee, I am attracted to shiny things (and I’m wildly corrupt). “

NBC Sports

Last week: 1

This week: no change

“If the road to New Orleans goes through Detroit, Detroit will be going to New Orleans.”

The Athletic

Last week: 3

This week: 1

“You could have argued before Sunday that the Lions had a weak resume. Then they beat the NFC’s only undefeated team. Detroit is averaging a league-best 40 points per game since Week 4. Jared Goff, who has thrown seven touchdown passes and no interceptions in his last three games, leads the NFL in passer rating (111.5).”

USA TODAY

Last week: 4

This week: 3

“The very early leaders for home-field advantage in the NFC, they might actually be more dangerous on the road – where they’re undefeated with an average margin of victory of 15.7 points.”

Bleacher Report

Last Week: 3

This Week: 2

“A Detroit defense that lost edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending leg injury last week stepped up as well. The Vikings were just 4-for-10 on third down, and Sam Darnold was sacked four times, including one that sealed the win.

Offense. Defense. Special teams. The Lions are talented. Balanced. And absolutely for real.”

CBS Sports

Last week: 2

This week: no change

“They have a dynamic offense that will continue to roll up big numbers. They do need to find a replacement for the injured Aidan Hutchinson. Go get Maxx Crosby.”

The Sporting News

Last week: 3

This week: 2

“The Lions looked sharp again offensively by spreading the ball around in a different way to keep Jared Goff hyper-efficient. They should be considered strong NFC favorites after knocking off Minnesota.”

Yahoo Sports

Last week: 4

This week: 2

“Jared Goff’s past three games: completed 58 of 68 passes for 887 yards, seven TDs, no INTs and a staggering 153.1 passer rating. The two things we learned from the Lions’ win Sunday: Detroit is a bona fide Super Bowl contender and Goff is an MVP candidate. Jameson Williams’ potential two-game suspension doesn’t help but the Lions have the offensive depth to make up for it.”

• BETTING: Check out our guide to the best Michigan sportsbooks, where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks.