2017 NFL Power Rankings Week 2: Rams make major jump after crushing Colts

11. Detroit Lions (19)

The internet was having a field day with Matthew Stafford when the Detroit Lions quarterback threw a costly interception against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter on Sunday that ended up being returned 82 yards for the score. But just like last season, Stafford showed football fans that a game is never truly over after coming through for the Lions when the offense needed him the most in the second half.

Between helping Detroit score 20 points in the fourth quarter to finishing the afternoon with four touchdown passes on the afternoon, Stafford made a strong case for deserving that hefty contract that he signed a few weeks back in the team’s 35-23 victory over Arizona. As frustrating as it was at times for the Lions in the first half against the Cardinals, give Stafford credit for fighting until the end before sealing the impressive victory, which was quite the common theme for this offense last season.

The Lions turned out to be one of the biggest surprise contenders in the NFC in 2016, and if Stafford can get the offense to play at this level on a weekly basis, there’s a good chance of making another run. Plus, from Detroit’s perspective, when looking at all of the money Stafford is getting paid, the quarterback better make sure this offense plays at the high level like Week 1 throughout the regular season.