Lions trending in right direction in latest NFL power rankings

The Detroit Lions are slowly moving back up NFL power rankings, and their tight win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday certainly helped.

It was a close game, and some would argue perhaps it shouldn't have been that close. But a win is a win, and there's really one hero to thank for getting the Lions back on track.

Following the bevy of Week 7 games for the NFL, the league's official website has unleashed its power rankings. Detroit went up one spot, which may not sound like a lot, but it is trending in the right direction.

Lions climb NFL power rankings as Brian Branch's return gives defense a much-needed boost

The Lions are now ranked No. 11 in the NFL's power rankings. NFL reporter Nick Shook admitted that it was a close game but also praised the team's defense and noted how much stronger it is with one important player back.

"Detroit played one of its uglier games of the 2026 season on Sunday, a true NFC North rock fight against a rival that devolved into a polite battle of 'No, go ahead, you take the win,' before the Lions ultimately emerged victorious," Shook says in the piece. "Turnovers became a problem for the first time this season, but conversely, Brian Branch's return helped a defense that desperately needed a boost."

So, it's really Branch finally being back after injury that helped push this defense back in the right direction. As the season progresses and the games get more important, it'll be crucial to have Branch in the mix.