The Detroit Lions are coming off another impressive win Sunday, 52-14, over Tennessee that improves their record to 6-1 on the year and sets up a big NFC North showdown Week 9 at Lambeau Field for early control of the NFC North against the Green Bay Packers (6-2).
Here’s a look at five numbers that really stand out for the Lions coming out of Week 8.
1. Number: 172
What it means: Number of points the Lions have scored over their last four games
Twentyman: It’s the most points any team has scored in a four-game span since Baltimore scored 172 from Weeks 9-12 in 2019. It’s helped propel Detroit to a five-game win streak, their longest since 2016. The 172 points are the most the Lions have scored in a four-game stretch in team history.
Lions vs Titans: Locker room celebration
2. Number: 17
What it means: Total hurries generated against the Titans Sunday from Detroit’s defense
Twentyman: I think the Lions could add to their pass rush before the Nov. 5 trade deadline, but the 17 hurries generated by the defense Sunday were the second most in any game for the Lions this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Al-Quadin Muhammad led the way with six in his Lions debut.
The Titans got behind and were forced to throw a lot from the second quarter on, but Levi Onwuzurike also had three hurries and DJ Reader had two. Detroit was able to affect the quarterback and that was good to see.
3. Number: 115.3
What it means: Quarterback Jared Goff’s passer rating through seven games
Twentyman: That ranks second in the NFL behind only Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson (115.4). Over this five-game winning streak for the Lions, Goff ranks first in the NFL in completion percentage (83 percent) and first in passer rating (146.5). Those are the best totals for completion percentage and passer rating in any five-game stretch in the history of the NFL for a quarterback with at least 50 pass attempts. Goff is certainly in the MVP conversation at this point in the season.
Jared Goff’s best plays from 3-TD game vs. Titans Week 8
4. Number: Plus-10
What it means: The Lions’ turnover differential on the season.
Twentyman: Only Buffalo (plus-11) has a better turnover differential than the Lions in 2024. Detroit’s 10 interceptions are the second most in the NFL (Minnesota, 12) and their five fumble recoveries are tied for fifth most. Detroit’s 15 total takeaways trail only Green Bay (19).
On the flip side, Detroit’s offense is doing a really good job taking care of the football. Goff has just four interceptions total on the season and none since Week 3 vs. Arizona. Detroit’s lost just one fumble all season and that’s tied with Arizona for the fewest in the NFL.
HIGHLIGHT: Robertson does it again! Lions DB forces second fumble
5. Number: 30.7
What it means: Detroit’s third-down defense percentage
Twentyman: The three most important statistics in football are turnovers, third down and red zone. We talked about the turnover differential above. Another area where Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has his defense really playing well is getting off the field on third down. Opponents have converted just 23-of-75 third downs against the Lions this season. Detroit’s third-down defense currently ranks second in the NFL.
