Michael Rothstein, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Power Rankings: No. 12 Detroit Lions

A weekly examination of the Lions' ESPN.com Power Ranking:

Preseason: 24 | Last Week: 12 | ESPN.com Power Ranking since 2002

Detroit had its struggles in the snow against Philadelphia in the second half on Sunday afternoon, but it had little bearing on this week’s Power Rankings. The Lions did not move at all from where they were a week ago, still sitting at No. 12. Unfortunately for Detroit, Power Rankings are just that -- rankings -- and the Lions are in a stickier position when it comes to their playoff hopes.

Their loss to Philadelphia placed them back in the middle of a tight NFC North race. Yes, Detroit still controls its own fate -- win out and the Lions are in the playoffs -- but there is much more pressure involved again. Chicago is tied with Detroit in the NFC North at 7-6 -- and one spot behind the Lions in the Power Rankings -- so if the Lions end up losing any games, they turn into scoreboard watchers and will have to pay closer attention to what the Bears -- and to some extent the Packers -- are doing.

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