Week 17 NFL Power Rankings: Roaring Lions Up To 7th

The Detroit Lions are well on their way to having one of the most successful seasons in franchise history, having already sewn up their first playoff berth in over a decade and decimated the AFC West on the way. Better yet, though, the Lions are on a three-game winning streak, and may be getting hot at the right moment to set fire to the NFC playoff bracket.

The Lions moved up two spots in the Week 17 SB Nation NFL Power Rankings, rising from No. 9 to No. 7. Here's what Joel Thorman thinks about the Lions this week:

7. Detroit Lions (10-5, LW: 9): The Lions have now won three in a row so they might be peaking at the right time. They haven't made the playoffs since 1999 so they're looking to make some noise this time around.

That 1999 trip to the playoffs was ended early by the Washington Redskins, though, and the Lions haven't won a playoff game in nearly 20 years. If this Detroit team really wants to be special, it still has some goals left to achieve.

For more on the Lions, visit Pride of Detroit.