2012 NFL Power Rankings: Lions continue tumble after 5th straight loss

Losers for the fifth consecutive game, the Detroit Lions were again unable to escape a predictable slide down numerous power rankings around the web on Tuesday.

Despite receiving the benefit of the doubt the previous week, ESPN.com knocked the Lions down four spots to No. 25 overall in its latest update. Detroit tied New Orleans for the biggest drop of the week, but still remain the highest-ranked four-win team overall.

Pete Prisco over at CBSSports.com also slotted the Lions at No. 25 this week, representing a one-spot drop from his previous update. Once extremely high on Detroit's chances at a playoff bid following the team's mid-season resurgence, Prisco acknowledges that not much can be done at this point. "Even Calvin Johnson can't save this season," Prisco wrote. "This has to be considered a major disappointment for the Lions."

While the Lions are miraculously in the running for a top five pick next April, Brian Billick at FoxSports.com still lists Jim Schwartz's team at No. 23 in the league, ahead of both a six-win New York Jets team and a 5-8 Buffalo squad. Billick dropped Detroit down just one spot after Sunday night's loss at Lambeau Field, and also lists the Lions just four spots away from a dangerous New Orleans Saints team.