NFL Power Rankings: 49ers Tie Losing-Streak Record Into Week 12

NFL Power Rankings: 49ers Losing Streak Ties a Franchise Record Entering Week 12

November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) passes the football against New England Patriots outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks up during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Lions won 26-19. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

team. 50. . 6-4. . Detroit Lions. 11

Again, let’s consider the notion Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is actually better without now-retired wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

Stafford is spreading the ball around much more this season, which is exactly what the Detroit offense needs. Five receivers had more than one catch in the Lions’ 26-19 victory over the Jaguars in Week 11, and both Eric Ebron and Theo Riddick managed 70 receiving yards apiece.

True, the Lions needed a 10-point fourth-quarter comeback at home to pull off the victory. But that’s what good teams do when facing adversity.

The Lions’ Week 12 matchup versus the Vikings will tell us a lot about whether Detroit is for real.