NFL Power Rankings: Detroit Lions Ranked 8th, 2nd In NFC North Divison

The Detroit Lions are ranked eighth in Joel Thorman's first 2012 NFL Power Rankings for SB Nation. Via Thorman:

8. Detroit Lions (10-6, LW: 10): Step one was making the playoffs last year. Step two is winning a playoff game. They have the offense to do that this year. But can the defense hold up?

The Lions are slated to finish behind only the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North, who are ranked first in Thorman's rankings. Detroit added offensive tackle Reilly Reiff and the NCAA Division I receptions leader Ryan Broyles in the 2012 NFL Draft. They also selected three cornerbacks in an attempt to shore up the secondary.

Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson should continue to develop in Year 3 for Stafford, especially after Johnson received a Megatron contract in the offseason.

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