By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s breakout star etches his name into franchise lore as the Lions surge to the NFL’s top spot
A Historic Moment for Amon-Ra St. Brown
The Detroit Lions’ 24-9 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 19 wasn’t just another impressive win — it was a night that added another historic milestone to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown’s young but electrifying career.
During the victory at Ford Field, St. Brown became the first player in franchise history to record touchdown receptions in four consecutive Monday Night Football games, a feat that underscores his consistency and clutch performance under the bright lights.
The Lions celebrated the achievement during their bye week with a proud post on social media: “Primetime players make primetime plays.” The message captured not only the team’s admiration but the growing realization around the league — St. Brown isn’t just a reliable receiver; he’s a generational playmaker.
Lions Soar to No. 1 in NFL Power Rankings
While St. Brown’s record-breaking moment grabbed headlines, the bigger picture for Detroit is equally remarkable. For the first time in years, the Lions are unanimously recognized as one of the NFL’s elite teams.
Both ESPN and the NFL’s official website ranked the Lions No. 1 in their Week 8 Power Rankings, a testament to the balance and resilience that head coach Dan Campbell has instilled in this roster. NFL writer Eric Edholm praised the Lions’ all-around performance, noting:
“Jared Goff’s pick before halftime helped gift the Buccaneers points, but the Lions’ offense responded with a touchdown on its first drive of the third quarter and the defense played incredibly well all night.”
Edholm added that Detroit “might have taken the Chiefs’ best punch in Week 6,” but responded by “taking out their frustrations on a good Bucs team that they might see again in January.”
That statement now feels prophetic — the Lions aren’t just a feel-good story anymore; they’re a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Gibbs’ Explosion Adds to Detroit’s Momentum
While St. Brown’s achievement headlined Detroit’s week, Jahmyr Gibbs delivered a performance that showcased the Lions’ offensive versatility. The young running back torched Tampa Bay for 218 total yards and two rushing touchdowns, including a dazzling 78-yard sprint clocked at 22.2 mph — the fastest rushing touchdown recorded this season, per Next Gen Stats.
ESPN’s Eric Woodyard put it simply:
“Gibbs broke free up the middle for the longest run of his NFL career… He is the only player over the past three seasons to reach 22 mph on a rushing touchdown, and he has done it twice now.”
With Gibbs’ breakout, St. Brown’s reliability, and Jared Goff’s steady leadership, the Lions’ offense appears more explosive — and balanced — than at any point in recent memory.
Detroit’s Dominance Is No Longer a Surprise
Fox Sports and Alternative Fix Sports also joined the growing consensus, each ranking Detroit at No. 1 heading into their bye. As Ralph Vacchiano wrote, “They aren’t perfect, but they can do it all and may be the most complete team in the NFL.”
Even with injuries mounting, as Amber Reed of Alternative Fix Sports noted, “the Lions responded anyway.”
That response — rooted in discipline, chemistry, and confidence — has made Detroit the team to beat heading into the second half of the season.
The Road Ahead
After a well-earned bye, the Lions return to action on November 2 against the Minnesota Vikings. With their offense firing on all cylinders and their defense tightening despite injuries, Detroit’s journey feels different this time.
And as for Amon-Ra St. Brown — his latest milestone isn’t just a personal triumph. It’s a reminder of how far this team has come — and how much higher they still can climb.