Week 12 was a really weird week for the Detroit Lions and the NFL. The Lions lost on Thanksgiving. Then we had a game on Friday that I don't think anyone watched. The league then followed that up with maybe the worst early Sunday slate ever and a really bad Monday Night Football game. 

Was all that bad good enough to save the Lions from falling in power rankings? Let's take a look.

ESPN: 7th

Previous Ranking: 4th

"The numbers tell a tale of two teams. For the second year in a row, the Lions' offense is among the best in the league, averaging the second-most yards per game (405.5), while the defense ranks among the bottom — despite showing flashes of their potential. The Lions excel offensively with a plethora of options to score from rushing to passing, while the defense lacks in the secondary and pass rush, notably against mobile quarterbacks. The Lions are allowing their opponents to score a touchdown in the red zone 68.6% of the time — the third-worst mark in the league. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp has the Lions performing among the best in that department with his coaching creativity. The Lions, who sit atop the NFC North, can still get better." -Eric Woodyard

Yahoo Sports: 5th

Previous Ranking: 3rd

"The poor outing against the Bears didn't turn out to be a blip. The Lions have looked bad in two straight games, both at home against losing teams, and are lucky to be 1-1 out of it. It starts with being very sloppy with the ball and turning it over. The Lions have an easy schedule coming up and they're unlikely to blow the division or anything, but that dream of getting the NFC's No. 1 seed probably died with the loss to the Packers." -Frank Schwab

The Athletic: 7th

Previous Ranking: 3rd

"Even Jared Goff’s most ardent fans get nervous this time of year, and Goff wasn’t great Thursday against the Packers. Still, in an off game, he produced 332 yards, two touchdowns and a 103.6 passer rating. The Lions play the Saints, Bears, Broncos and Vikings (twice) down the stretch. If Detroit can get home-field advantage, it can make a run with this offense, which ranks second in the league in yardage (405.5)." -Josh Kendall

Yahoo Sports: 8th

Previous Ranking: 3rd

"The Lions were rare strong home favorites on Thanksgiving, only to meet a familiar losing result against the Packers. They are still looking good with the running game and underneath passing game, but Jared Goff is off when there are pressure leaks and the young defense is experiencing more breakdowns." -Vinnie Iyer

USA Today: 7th

Previous Ranking: 6th 

"They've surrendered nearly 100 points and more than 1,100 yards in the three games since their Week 9 bye. Hopefully Detroit's D found the necessary adjustments in the post-Thanksgiving mini-bye as the team prepares to hit the road four of the next five weeks." -Nate Davis 

CBS Sports: 8th

Previous ranking: 2nd

"They've had some issues show up in each of the past three games that could be their undoing, including a lack of pressure on defense. They have to get it turned around." -Pete Prisco

Lions playoff picture after Week 12

Week 12 did not go the Detroit Lions way when it comes to the big stuff. The Lions were unable to win on Thanksgiving and then the Eagles overtime win over the Bills seemingly pushed the Lions out of contention for the number one seed. Anything can happen. but it's going to be harder.  On […]