16. Detroit Lions (2-2)
Well, the Detroit Lions might just stink, folks. I had initially predicted that the Lions would defeat Carolina on Sunday Night Football, but I could not have been more wrong. It was a close game, but what we have seen is a putrid Lions defense remain that way for the entire season.
I am not sure this team can get a single big stop, and while they are missing some key secondary talent, that doesn’t really mean we can’t criticize how bad the group has been. The Lions looked somewhat like this in 2025 - a hyper-efficient offense that could put up points with ease, but a bottom-tier defense that could not and cannot stop a nosebleed.
You really have to wonder if the Lions are approaching a time where some major coaching changes need to take place…?
Sitting at 2-2, the season is far from over. In fact, lots of 2-2 teams have gone on to do great things, but with how bad this defense has been, this 2-2 record could easily be 3-5 in a few weeks if things don’t get sorted out. Detroit falls in our updated power rankings.
15. Denver Broncos (2-2)
The Denver Broncos fall a bit in our power rankings. Denver is now 2-2 on the season and lost a very ugly game to San Francisco. A trio of starters left this game for the Broncos and did not return in Patrick Surtain II, Riley Moss, and Pat Bryant.
The Broncos had to finish this game without their top two cornerbacks, and the 49ers were able to notch a late-game touchdown to seal the deal and put it away. Denver has played four ugly games if we’re being honest, as they needed two second-half comebacks to beat Jacksonville and Los Angeles, and have lost by double-digits in both of their losses this year.
Unless something changes rapidly, the Broncos could be staring down a regression year. The offense can’t do anything well, and the defense has not been nearly as stout as it was in 2025 or even in 2024.
The Broncos managed to win 14 games last year and got within a game of the Super Bowl. Denver even reaching 10 wins right not does not feel likely unless something can change. They are on a very tough six-game stretch to begin the season, as each team they have played so far currently owns the following records: 4-0, 3-1, 2-2, 4-0.
It’s been a tough schedule thus far.
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