If the NFL season had been just one week longer last season, it’s highly likely the Detroit Lions would have figured out a way to sneak into the playoffs. And they would have been a scary team to try and oust, too.
The journey for Detroit was long and winding, beginning with their 38-35 loss to the Eagles in Week 1 to their stunning defeat of Aaron Rodgers and Packers in Week 18 that prevented Green Bay from clinching a playoff spot, the 9-8 Lions certainly went through it. Buoyed by a terrific offense and slowly improving defense, Detroit recovered from a 1-6 start to go 8-2 in their final 10 games, just barely missing out on the last wild card spot.