NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Who, if anyone, can topple the juggernaut Lions in the NFC?
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen an NFL team like the Detroit Lions. What we mean is, in a league of profound parity, the Lions have distinguished themselves as a genuine juggernaut. If they play poor competition, they absolutely humiliate it without a second thought. If they play solid playoff contenders, their quarterback could have five turnovers, and they’ll still find a way to win. That is a rare thing to see in today’s NFL, and it makes Detroit feel unstoppable — at least in the context of the NFC.
So, who can challenge the Lions in the conference? We’ll nominate two teams at this juncture.
First up is the Philadelphia Eagles, who officially have the league’s top defense since Week 6. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has spearheaded a unit that forces everyone into irreparable mistakes. Jalen Hurts remains a huge question mark, but Philadelphia’s glut of elite offensive weapons — especially Saquon Barkley — might be able to overcome him.
Then you have the Arizona Cardinals. We’re unsure if Arizona has enough horses on defense, but it does make timely plays on that side of the ball. More importantly, Kyler Murray is playing some of the best football of his career and looks like a genuine top-10 quarterback. Those kinds of guys can steal games on the road if you let them hang around.
We still probably wouldn’t pick anyone against the Lions in the NFC right now. They are indeed that good. But if someone does end up toppling them this January, don’t be surprised if it’s one of the Eagles or Cardinals. They feel like the most likely suspects.
The Lions are a major focus of For The Win’s Week 12 NFL Power Rankings, which has a new No. 1 team (an easy guess) and a No. 2 team for the first time in over a month. Let’s check in to see where everyone in the league stands as we near Thanksgiving.