The Detroit Lions improved to 4-1 on the season in Week 5 while two former unbeatens who were routinely ranked ahead of them in the NFL power rankings, the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills, both lost.
The Lions continued to cruise with a 37-24 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, who managed to hang around a bit late in the game before Detroit slammed the door shut.
Meanwhile, the Eagles were upset in what was a comeback 21-17 victory for the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots notched a massive statement win over the Bills on Sunday night in Orchard Park, 23-20.
In our NFL power rankings round-up below, the Lions jumped both teams in the eyes of three out of four experts, but Detroit remained one spot short of No. 1 in one of the rankings because of the San Francisco 49ers.
NFL power rankings Week 6
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: 2 (+2)
Iyer: "The Lions' offense is humming with typical balance and explosiveness after a rough Week 1 at Green Bay. The defense has started to become a bigger factor imposing its will, thanks to Aidan Hutchinson performing at a dominant all-around level."
Jacob Infante, Pro Football & Sports Network: 1 (+1)
Infante: "With their high-powered offense and competitive defense, the Lions have bounced back incredibly well from their Week 1 loss to the Packers. They look like one of the best teams in the NFL right now, and the No. 1 spot in PFSN’s Power Rankings is well-deserved."
Taylor Wirth, NBC Sports: 1 (+2)
Wirth: "This was supposed to be as easy of a win as they come, and it was for three quarters, until Detroit got a little too relaxed. Only two sacks against arguably the worst O-line in football?"
Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: 1 (+2)
Johnson: "The Detroit Lions are the best team in the NFC. Since that wake-up call in Week 1 at Lambeau Field, Detroit has been taking out its frustrations on every opponent in its wrath. Cincinnati was the latest to experience that on Sunday, witnessing this Lions’ machine fire on all cylinders without even a hiccup. Now heading to Arrowhead Stadium, Detroit can make another statement on national television."
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