NFL Power Rankings after Week 9: At the midpoint of the season, the Lions appear to be the best team in the league

On December 29, 1957, the Detroit Lions were undisputedly the best team in the NFL. They won their last championship that day. That was also the end of Jim Brown's rookie season, nine years before the first Super Bowl and a little less than twelve years before man first set foot on the moon.

Since that day, the Lions have probably not been the best team in the NFL for a single week. That is changing. Calling any other team the best team in football around the middle of the season, when the Kansas City Chiefs haven't lost yet, is a good way to feel stupid later. But the Lions' dominance is undeniable.

The Lions are coming off a loss, and it was a fluke loss as they outgained the Buccaneers 463-216 yards. Detroit has road wins against the Vikings and Packers, its two biggest division rivals and two of the NFL's best teams. The Lions' DVOA ranks after Sunday night's game are telling: first overall, third on offense, fourth on defense, first on special teams. They pass the numbers test and also the eyesight test. They look dominant and can win games in different ways. Sunday's win over the Packers was a statement for the rest of the NFL. It's been a long time coming, but the Lions have a real chance to win a Super Bowl. They are currently the best team in the NFL.

Here are the rest of the power rankings for Week 10 of the NFL season: