The NFL is Recognizing the Detroit Lions Could Be Super Bowl-Bound

Every day, it seems like a new bit of news drops about the Detroit Lions. Moreover, good news, that just makes fans happier and happier. Now, the team is getting a bunch of much-deserved praise around the NFL. In fact, one Sports Illustrated article even as the Detroit Lions ranked as the No. 1 NFL team. Yes, the NFL is recognizing that the Detroit Lions could be Super Bowl-Bound.

The Lions are officially tied for No. 1 in the NFL, alongside the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs. They're turning heads, to say the least. Here are some of the crazy-good things people in the NFL are saying about the Detroit Lions this week. I'm so happy!

Sports Illustrated

"The Lions are the hottest team in the NFL... With Jared Goff leading the ship, Detroit has entered the conversation with the 49ers and Eagles as the teams that can represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this season."

NFL.com

"For the fourth time this season, Detroit’s defense held its opponent to 20 points or fewer, and three of those games have come on the road. That’s the formula for victory for a team that has scored 20 or more in every game... This Lions’ defense has taken a few hits with injuries, but outside of the Seattle game in Week 2, it has been markedly improved over the group we saw last season."

USA Today

"...They’re 5-1, too – their best record to start a season since 2011 – after thumping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-6. Few teams have the balance on both sides of the ball that Detroit does."

The Athletic

"The 5-1 Lions look shiny right now. Their 20-6 win over the 3-2 Buccaneers ties them for the league’s best record, and it’s worth pointing out their lone loss was in overtime against the 3-2 Seahawks."

Alternative Fix

"The question isn't whether the Detroit Lions are the deal. It's whether they're going to go all the way."

CBS Sports

"While many of those youngsters are key, foundational pieces to this 5-1 Lions team, the club's staying power resides in four of five players whose additions to the roster predate the Holmes-Dan Campbell regime -- Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow and Halapoulivaati Vaitai along the people-moving offensive line. When all on the field together, it's an elite group of powerful, athletic, well-balanced veteran blockers who've seen every blitz package and size, shape and style of pass rusher."

Remember to listen to the latest episode of my podcast, “The Squad with Anne Erickson," which is below. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and contact me here.

Well, my choices have certainly changed for the strongest quarterbacks in the NFL since the season's start. Of course, the major change was Aaron Rodgers being out for the entire season. I didn't see that coming. Who did? But, that's football. You never know what's going to happen and, unfortunately, injuries are all too common.

Here we are, almost into NFL Week 6, following Monday Night Football (Oct. 9). So, who are the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now? Let's look at some of the top players. Now, you might not agree with some of my picks, and that's okay. We're all entitled to our own opinions. But, I'm looking at a few things when I come up with my rankings. For one, the stats. Are these guys delivering on stats this year? I'm also looking at consistency and winning. Finally, I'm looking at the intangible factor. Do these guys have the heart and desire to really win? All of these factors go into being a great quarterback and leader. That's why they were all part of my decision.

I will say that No. 1 is staying the same for me. It's not a big surprise. You'll see who I picked at the end of this list, and while he hasn't had the best start to the season, he's still the strongest quarterback out there, in my opinion. I kept my No. 2 guy the same, too. But, everything else has changed.

Also, I'm a sports podcaster and host a podcast about NFL and Detroit Lions called "The Squad with Anne Erickson." Even if you aren't a Lions fan, check it out, as this season, we're talking about all the NFL teams and trends. Find my podcast here, listen below and reach out to me on socials here with your NFL thoughts and opinions.

I'm not just saying this because I'm a Detroit Lions fan, but Jared Goff is the real deal. Goff has helped turn this team around, after decades of losses. He's really found his stride in Detroit, and the Lions are loving him. He's delivered a near perfect record so far, which is fantastic. Darn those Seahawks.

The Cincinnati Bengals have struggled this year, but Joe Burrow's stats are still among the best in the league. Fans should look at this team in the long-term, and Burrow is a big piece of their future.

I left the Buffalo Bills off my list of the best NFL teams right now, and boy, did I get some listeners disagreeing with me. I agree that the Bills are strong. But, they've had some troubles lately. Still, Josh Allen is still a star quarterback.

You know I'm a big Jalen Hurts fan. He, literally, is one of the strongest quarterbacks, and he's also brilliant. He has a heart for this game, a strong will to fight and wisdom beyond his years. He's one of the best, and boy, the Eagles need him.

Patrick Mahomes got off to a rocky start with the Kansas City Chiefs, losing to the Detroit Lions. They've also struggled more in games than expected. But, Mahomes is still the best, when you look at stats and consistency. It'll be interesting to see what the rest of this season brings.