Niner Noise
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NFL Power Rankings: A Week 16 Look at All 32 Teams

By Peter Panacy

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots won 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots won 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Detroit Lions running back Dwayne Washington (36) is tackled by New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn (72) during first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Detroit Lions running back Dwayne Washington (36) is tackled by New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn (72) during first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

team. 50. . 9-5. . Detroit Lions. 8

Week 15 was a must-win game for the Lions. And that’s exactly what they didn’t do when they visited the red-hot New York Giants.

The Lions’ 17-6 loss, paired with the Packers’ win over Chicago, means Green Bay is just one game behind Detroit in both the playoff picture and NFC North standings. More importantly, the Lions have back-to-back tough games against the Cowboys and Packers in Weeks 16 and 17, respectively.

Who knows what happens there and what the implications will be. But it’s safe to say the Lions couldn’t afford to let this one slip away.

Detroit’s defense is still good. But for the Lions to right the ship, they’ll need to get more out of their running game, which ranks 29th in the league through 16 weeks.