I’ve never liked the term “meaningless games” to describe the remaining contests of a team out of the playoff race. It may be “meaningless” when it comes to the postseason, but there is so much else going on during a football game. Players are fighting for pride, doing the job they love, trying to create good tape for upcoming free agency, and they may even be trying to hit an incentive bonus.
And for a team as injury-riddled as the Detroit Lions, some of these players are attempting to capitalize on an opportunity they may not have gotten elsewhere.