In an intense Week 11 matchup, the Detroit Lions showcased their resilience as they managed to escape with a hard-fought win over the Chicago Bears, despite trailing by 12 points with only minutes left on the clock.

The Lions' performance was far from their best, characterized by sloppy play and turnovers. However, their ability to rally and overcome numerous obstacles impressed national rankers, leading to minimal changes in their rankings.

NFL.com's Eric Edholm recognized the Lions' tenacity, moving them up to No. 3 in his rankings and stating, "This should be the type of game that makes us respect Detroit more." While some rankers expressed concerns about the team's performance against an average Bears team, the consensus remains that the Lions are a skilled and dangerous team.

One of the main highlights of the game was quarterback Jared Goff's ability to bounce back after throwing three interceptions, his highest tally this season. The Lions' ability to win even with Goff's subpar performance underscores their strength as a team that can secure victories even on their off days.

Despite the turnovers and defensive breakdowns, the Lions dug deep in the final minutes to make the necessary plays to secure the win. Aidan Hutchinson's strip-sack of Bears quarterback Justin Fields sealed the game, highlighting the Lions' resurgent defense.

The Lions' strong offensive capabilities were also evident throughout the game. They currently rank second in the league in yards per game, averaging 399.6, and fifth in scoring, with an average of 27.2 points. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly in their red-zone touchdown efficiency, which currently stands at 52.9 percent.

Having achieved an 8-2 record, the best start for the franchise since 1962, the Lions are in a prime position to clinch their first division title since 1993. The key to their success lies in the revitalization of Jared Goff's career under the guidance of coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Looking ahead, the Lions face an important Thanksgiving showdown against the Green Bay Packers, where they will aim to extend their winning streak against divisional opponents to eight games, a feat they haven't achieved since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.

With an impressive record and steady performances, the Lions are emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the NFC. Their ability to win games, even when not playing their best, speaks volumes about their potential for a deep playoff run—a feat not seen in Detroit since the early 1990s.

In summary, while the Detroit Lions' Week 11 performance may have been far from perfect, their ability to overcome adversity and secure a victory against the Chicago Bears has solidified their position as a team to be respected and feared in the NFC.