2017 NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Rams climb after shutting out Cardinals in London

22. Detroit Lions (18)

Through the first two weeks, the Detroit Lions looked like one of the top teams to beat in the NFC after big wins over the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. But after losing three of their previous four games, the bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for Matthew Stafford and company since they needed the rest, especially when it comes to Golden Tate.

Back in Week 6, Tate injured his shoulder against the New Orleans Saints, and with Stafford’s favorite wideout expected to miss the next few weeks, someone will need to step it up for the Lions in the passing game. At least when it comes to Stafford, the quarterback has a history of making the players around him better, and he’s certainly going to need all of the extra help he can get following the bye since Detroit is hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night.

With all of the dangerous weapons Ben Roethislberger has to work with on offense, chances are the Steelers have always been considered a team that is capable of exploding at any minute. In other words, Stafford and the Lions will most likely need a big game on offense just to keep up.