Week 6 power rankings: Lions enter their bye week just outside Top 10
The Detroit Lions (3-2) enter their Week 6 bye week on a high note after a dominant 45-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, a win that has reignited optimism about their playoff aspirations. Jared Goff led the charge with a stellar performance, throwing for 271 yards and three touchdowns while targeting a deep roster of pass-catching talent.
The Lions' offense continues to shine, ranking among the NFL’s elite in key categories, including first in points per game (32.8) and touchdowns scored (20), alongside a top-five EPA per play (+0.13). Their defense, however, remains a work in progress, particularly in the secondary, where they’ve allowed a league-high 1,487 passing yards through five games.
While Sunday’s outing showed promise, the unit still lacks key contributors like Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch, who is set to return in Week 7 after a torn Achilles kept him out since last season, along with other injured secondary players Thomas Harper and Avonte Maddox. With their bye week ahead, Detroit must use the break to address defensive vulnerabilities before facing stiffer competition later in the season.
