Detroit, MI
Discussion: Is this the best Detroit Lions team of your lifetime?
If you’re still in the afterglow of the Detroit Lions’ divisional title from this weekend, I don’t blame you. Putting to bed a 30-year drought and earning this team’s first banner of the 2000s is an accomplishment worth celebrating for more than just a day or two. Make no mistake about it, it’s a monumental occasion for Lions fans. Just ask coach Dan Campbell.
“Whenever you do something like what we just did, it’s special,” Campbell said in his postgame celebration speech to the team. “It don’t matter, man. And it don’t matter how many you win in a row, they’re special. But I can tell you this, when you’re part of the organization and it’s been 30 years since we won a fucking championship, it’s special, man.”
As Lions fans, we’ve been through a lot. Lean years are all we know. And for some of the younger fans of this team, Sunday was quite literally the pinnacle of their fandom.
Which begs today’s Question of the Day:
Is this the best Detroit Lions team of your lifetime?
My answer: Obviously, your answer will depend on your age, but as a 37-year-old fan, I think you could make a compelling case.
Some will obviously be hesitant to say anything until we see what this team can do in the playoffs, and that’s fair. If Detroit loses in the first round at home, some will consider this team a failure from their preseason expectations. However, I don’t think it’s entirely fair to judge a team by their performance in one game. A single-game elimination tournament is not always the best way to determine the “best” team.
Obviously, I was alive during the Lions’ 1991 season when they made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game—the only time in franchise history they’ve made it that far. Is this team better than that? It’s hard to say. I was five at the time, and don’t really have a good grasp of how good that team was. But looking back at some statistics, we can get a good overview of how good that team was.
The 1991 Lions finished 12-4, with only two teams boasting a better record than them. The current Lions are 11-4, with only one team having a better record.
The ‘91 Lions had a point differential of +44, ranking eighth in the NFL. Today’s Lions are +57, which ranks seventh in the NFL.
If you’re into DVOA, the ‘91 Lions were only 13th (of 28 teams) with an overall DVOA of 2.9% (0% is average). Today’s Lions (prior to MNF results) are seventh in DVOA at 14.6%.
That said, that historic Lions team was a little more balanced, ranking ninth in points scored and 11th in points allowed. This Lions team ranks fourth in points scored and 24th in points allowed.
I think it’s fair to say these teams are pretty even.
But there’s one more Lions team that belongs in this discussion, in my opinion: the 2014 Detroit Lions. Though they went 11-5 and frustratingly lost their playoff game in Dallas, this is the best Lions team I have a clear recollection of (prior to this year). They were led by a dominant defense that ranked third in DVOA and third in points allowed. While the offense was conservative, with weapons like Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, and Reggie Bush, they could be explosive at times.
But overall, that team ranked just 13th in DVOA (+5.4%) and 13th in point differential (+39).
So, yes, I think a compelling argument could be made that the 2023 Lions team is the best in my lifetime. The defense may have some major flaws, but in the era of offensive football, the Lions have one of the most lethal attacks in football, and that can take a team far.
Where do you think the 2023 Lions stack up historically for this franchise? Scroll down to the comment section and share your thoughts.
Detroit, MI
2024 NFL Playoff Picture, Week 12: Chiefs, Lions Hold Top Seeds
The Kansas CIty Chiefs and Detroit Lions are very different, and yet they’re the same.
Kansas City has continuously had to hold onto leads at the end of games, while Detroit has rolled one team after the next. And, yet, both are 10–1 and the No. 1 seed in their respective conferences.
Meanwhile, there was a change in the NFC playoff picture, with the Seattle Seahawks jumping into the No. 3 seed after beating the Arizona Cardinals, who went from that spot all the way out of the playoff picture with a single loss.
Here’s how everything looks in both conferences, updated up to the second.
Additionally, all playoff probabilities are courtesy of The Athletic’s model.
AFC: WHO’S IN
Record: 10–1, first place, AFC West
Remaining opponents over .500: 4
Playoff probability: 99%
Kansas City was able to ward off the pesky Carolina Panthers on Sunday, giving it an AFC-best 10 wins. A short week is ahead for the Chiefs, who host the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.
Record: 9–2, first place, AFC East
Remaining opponents over .500: 1
Playoff probability: 99%
The Bills had the week off. A big three-game stretch looms with the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions coming up in Orchard Park.
Record: 8–3, first place, AFC North
Remaining opponents over .500: 3
Playoff probability: 88%
After getting into the first-seed conversation, the Steelers lost in the snow to the Cleveland Browns. Next up, the Cincinnati Bengals, who are clinging to life at 4–7.
Record: 7–5, first place, AFC South
Remaining opponents over .500: 2
Playoff probability: 94%
After winning convincingly in Dallas on Monday night, Houston was upset by the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. C.J. Stroud & Co. hold a two-game lead in the AFC South, but appear to be headed for the fourth seed.
Record: 7–3, second place, AFC West
Remaining opponents over .500: 4
Playoff probability: 91%
Los Angeles will try to stay in this spot with a victory Monday night over the Baltimore Ravens, while also opening a two-game lead in the loss column with a tiebreaker in hand.
Record: 7–4, second place, AFC North
Remaining opponents over .500: 4
Playoff probability: 95%
The Ravens have a chance to close the gap in the AFC North while also jumping the Chargers with a win at SoFi Stadium on Monday night.
Record: 7–5, third place, AFC West
Remaining opponents over .500: 2
Playoff probability: 60%
Denver took care of the Raiders in Las Vegas, giving it a second straight win before coming home to host the Browns on Monday night. The Broncos still have the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals on their schedule, easily their biggest games remaining.
IN THE HUNT
Miami Dolphins (5–6): The Dolphins pummeled the New England Patriots on Sunday behind Tua Tagovailoa’s four touchdown passes. Miami will face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Thanksgiving Day.
Indianapolis Colts (5–7): Anthony Richardson struggled in a loss to the Detroit Lions. Despite being two games under .500, Indianapolis has a real shot at the playoffs with a soft schedule the rest of the way.
Cincinnati Bengals (4–7): Cincinnati likely needs to win out. That won’t be easy with two games remaining against the Steelers, starting with this weekend.
NFC: WHO’S IN
Record: 10–1, first place, NFC North
Remaining opponents over .500: 3
Playoff probability: 99%
The Lions appear to be the best team in football. Detroit took on a plucky Colts team and handled them with ease, allowing only six points. Still, there’s no breathing room with Detroit only a game up in the NFC North.
Remaining opponents over .500: 3
Playoff probability: 99%
The Eagles visit the Rams on Sunday night. We will update this space after the game.
Record: 6–5, first place, NFC West
Remaining opponents over .500: 3
Playoff probability: 21%
Seattle lost five of six before earning two huge divisional victories over the 49ers and Arizona Cardinals the past two weeks. With those wins, the Seahawks moved to the third seed, holding a tiebreaker over the Atlanta Falcons for the spot.
Remaining opponents over .500: 3
Playoff probability: 83%
Atlanta had its bye week, and comes out of the break facing the Chargers and Minnesota Vikings the next two weeks.
Record: 9–2, second place, NFC North
Remaining opponents over .500: 5
Playoff probability: 98%
The Vikings continue to be only one game back of the Lions in the NFC North, while remaining the top team in the NFC wild-card picture after a 30–27 overtime win over the Chicago Bears.
Record: 8–3, third place, NFC North
Remaining opponents over .500: 3
Playoff probability: 93%
Green Bay handled the injury-riddled San Francisco 49ers with ease, continuing to make a playoff push. The Packers now have a short week with Miami coming to Green Bay on Thursday.
Record: 7–5, second place, NFC East
Remaining opponents over .500: 2
Playoff probability: 72%
Freefall in Washington? The Commanders have now lost three consecutive games, with a defeat to the listless Dallas Cowboys being the worst of them all.
IN THE HUNT
Arizona Cardinals (6–5): Arizona went to Seattle and managed only six points. The Cardinals will try to rebound this upcoming weekend against the Vikings in Minnesota.
Los Angeles Rams (5–5): The Rams play host to the Eagles on Sunday night. We will update this space after the game.
San Francisco 49ers (5–6): This might be the end for San Francisco. The Niners are ravaged by injuries to Brandon Aiyuk, Nick Bosa, Brock Purdy and Trent Williams. Next up, Buffalo.
Detroit, MI
Financial Constraints Could Prevent Detroit Tigers From Landing Dream Player
The Detroit Tigers are coming into the offseason looking to improve after a shockingly great 2024 campaign.
Nobody saw the Tigers coming in 2024, as they went on to have one of the best second halves of a season in a long time. They were able to ride that momentum right into the playoffs, and they defeated the Houston Astros in the Wild Card Round.
When looking at the Detroit roster, it was pretty clear that manager A.J. Hinch did a magnificent job finding ways to win games. While he had the luxury of Tarik Skubal pitching every five days, there wasn’t much else in the starting rotation after trading away Jack Flaherty.
This winter, the Tigers will have the opportunity to add to a young roster that achieved a lot in 2024.
While they had a lot of success last year, there are some areas that the team can improve upon. One of which is at third base.
Hitting was an issue at times for Detroit in 2024, as they need to become more consistent if they want to take the next step forward in 2025.
Recently, Jason Beck of MLB.com spoke about Alex Bregman being a great fit for the Tigers. However, he highlighted that financial constraints could hold the franchise back from their dream target.
“While the on-field fit with Bregman is obvious, the financial fit is another matter. The Tigers have not been a team for bidding wars; even under the late owner Mike Ilitch, they were more active finding undervalued or overlooked free agents (Pudge Rodriguez, Magglio Ordonez, Kenny Rogers) than outbidding teams for highly-sought talent. There’s a ton of payroll space in Detroit, but the Tigers just got past one long-term deal that didn’t age well (Miguel Cabrera), and still have Javier Báez for three more years. President of baseball operations Scott Harris has been more attracted to shorter-term deals and long-term flexibility, both in Detroit and in his previous job as Giants general manager. He might have to weigh how much he wants to stretch a deal to get Bregman”
Adding the gold glove third baseman would be a really good move for the Tigers for multiple reasons. As a good hitter and fielder, Bregman was able to total an impressive WAR once again last year. With three straight seasons of a WAR over 4.0, the slugger is extremely consistent.
In addition to what he can do on the field, Bregman has a ton of experience in the league and in the playoffs. This can only help a young Tigers team that entered uncharted waters last season.
While he certainly makes sense for Detroit, he is going to be one of the highest paid free agents this offseason wherever he goes. It is very possible that the financial side of things could be the reason why they don’t get their dream target.
Detroit, MI
How to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts – NFL: Week 12 | Channel, stream, preview
INDIANAPOLIS — The Detroit Lions will look to keep up their winning ways on Sunday as they face a hungry Indianapolis Colts team looking to keep their playoff hopes alive.
- Watch the NFL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)
Detroit Lions (9-1) vs. Indianapolis Colts (5-6)
- When: Sunday, November 24
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Where: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis. Ind.)
- Channel: FOX
- Stream: FuboTV (Free Trial), DirecTV Stream, Sling
The Lions put together a historic effort last Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a 52-6 drubbing, Detroit recorded a franchise-record 645 yards of total offense and 38 first downs. Jared Goff had a much-needed bounce-back game, throwing four touchdowns, while David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs had standout performances on the ground. It marked the second time this year the team has hit the half-century mark in points, as they scored 52 against the Tennessee Titans last month.
The Lions continue to roll through the regular season, coming close to already securing a spot in the playoffs. They are currently first in the NFC North, one game up on the Minnesota Vikings.
While things have not been perfect in America’s Heartland, the Colts still have a shot at sneaking into a Wild Card spot. After a series of lackluster efforts during the team’s three-game losing streak, Indianapolis and quarterback Anthony Richardson stepped up last Sunday against the New York Jets. Timely stops on defense and a solid outing by their sophomore QB helped them outlast Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.
The Colts still have some work to do. Despite being second in the AFC South, Indy is two games back of the first-place Houston Texans and one back of the last Wild Card spot in the AFC.
The Colts are 22-20-2 against the Lions, winning four of the last five meetings.
- Watch the NFL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)
Check out the NFL schedule
-
Business1 week ago
Column: Molly White's message for journalists going freelance — be ready for the pitfalls
-
Science5 days ago
Trump nominates Dr. Oz to head Medicare and Medicaid and help take on 'illness industrial complex'
-
Politics1 week ago
Trump taps FCC member Brendan Carr to lead agency: 'Warrior for Free Speech'
-
Technology7 days ago
Inside Elon Musk’s messy breakup with OpenAI
-
Lifestyle1 week ago
Some in the U.S. farm industry are alarmed by Trump's embrace of RFK Jr. and tariffs
-
World1 week ago
Protesters in Slovakia rally against Robert Fico’s populist government
-
News7 days ago
They disagree about a lot, but these singers figure out how to stay in harmony
-
News1 week ago
Gaetz-gate: Navigating the President-elect's most baffling Cabinet pick