8. Detroit Lions
Last week: 7th
The Detroit Lions went on the road and struggled out a win against the Miami Dolphins.
That’s the important thing. They have managed to keep pace in the brutally tough NFC North, and entering the midway point of the season, they are in a great spot.
Now, they get the privilege of hosting a Patriots team next week that is going to be playing with a chip on its shoulder after getting absolutely embarrassed by the Green Bay Packers. It’s going to be a test for that Detroit defense, which has been playing exceptionally well since the early bye week.
They have given up 21 points – or less – in each of the last four games. They haven’t given up more than 17 points since giving up a garbage time touchdown against the Cardinals back in Week 5.
Now, the Lions have a 6-2 record heading into matchups against New England, Tampa Bay, and Chicago on Thanksgiving. They’ve built a solid cushion.
7. Green Bay Packers
Last week: 12th
Over the last handful of weeks, the Packers have quietly become maybe the most complete team in the NFL. And the only reason I say “maybe" there is because this team can’t really run the ball.
Because of that fact, it’s even more unbelievable the way Jordan Love is just dropping dimes all over the field and looking completely unstoppable. Did they start Toyotathon early this year?
All kidding aside, Love looks like the league MVP with the way he’s playing ball this year. To be making the plays he has been making with offensive line struggles and no running game? It’s really something else.
And oh – by the way – the Packers are about to get Micah Parsons back soon. He returned to the practice field and should be making his triumphant return from a knee injury in the next handful of weeks. The optimistic timetable seems to be the Packers’ Thanksgiving Eve matchup with the Rams…
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