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The Detroit Lions are now out of the top 10 in the SB Nation NFL Power Rankings, and it is likely they would have fallen further this week if they were not helped out by their main playoff competition also losing. Both Chicago and Atlanta lost this past week to keep the Lions on track for the playoffs, but after two straight weeks of games where silly penalties cost them, the Lions need to pull things together according to Joel Thorman:
11. Detroit Lions (7-5, LW: 10): The Lions may not make the playoffs. No, really. The Raiders, Packers and Chargers to end the season. Talent-wise, we know they can win those. But will they actually put it all together?
Detroit faces an almost certain must-win game at home this week against the Minnesota Vikings, who come in at No. 30 in this week's poll. Detroit should be able to make some headway in the playoff chase with the injuries that the Bears have suffered, also.