The Detroit Lions haven't been in the top 10 since Weeks 9 through 11 of last season and even then, it has been a rarity. Yet the Lions remained static this week in the ESPN Power Rankings, holding at the No. 6 position after not playing last Sunday. The next three weeks, though, offer the Lions a chance to make some major, major moves. Detroit plays three teams in the top 13, starting with No. 13 Miami on Sunday and then at No. 2 Arizona and No. 1 New England. Win two of those games and the Lions may just end up in the top 5 or higher. And while the power rankings are good for chatter and debate, winning two of the next three would also seal Detroit's legitimacy as both a contender for the divisional title and possibly the NFC in general. That's how close the Lions are. Also, my personal ballot returns this week after a two-week hiatus due to the London trip and time zone/travel differential. Due to this, I don't have last week's vote in parentheses. But I had the Cardinals at No. 1 -- best record and they look the part of a team with offensive strength and a good defense -- and Detroit higher than my colleagues, all the way at No. 4. 1. Arizona
2. New England
3. Denver
4. Detroit
5. Philadelphia
6. Dallas
7. Seattle
8. Pittsburgh
9. Indianapolis
10. Cincinnati
11. Kansas City
12. Green Bay
13. Miami
14. Buffalo
15. Cleveland
16. New Orleans
17. San Diego
18. Baltimore
19. San Francisco
20. Minnesota
21. Houston
22. St. Louis
23. Carolina
24. New York Giants
25. Chicago
26. Atlanta
27. Washington
28. Tennessee
29. New York Jets
30. Tampa Bay
31. Jacksonville
32. Oakland
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