NFL power rankings: Playoff picture taking shape heading into Week 17

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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 24: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions is sacked by Carlos Dunlap #96 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

Previous: . Detroit Lions. 16. team. 50. . L, 26-17 at Bengals

There used to be this Chinese restaurant near where I grew up, called OK Chinese Food, that had a slogan reading, “Not good, not bad. Just OK.”

That pretty much sums up the Lions this season, and it’s fitting they wind up smack in the middle of our NFL power rankings heading into Week 17.

Their loss to the Bengals eliminated them from playoff contention, which is a shame considering how good things were looking earlier in the year. And it’s going to continue feeding the narrative whether or not quarterback Matthew Stafford can ever win a high-pressure game.

Stafford wasn’t good, going 19-of-35 for 203 yards with one touchdown against an interception — all for a passer rating of just 69.1.

This wouldn’t hurt as much if Detroit had a ground game, but it doesn’t. At least tight end Eric Ebron came on strong again.

The Lions only need a few parts on both sides of the ball, and they have a good quarterback. But the “just OK” comparison is too hard to overlook.