The Detroit Lions won the NFC North for the first time in franchise history with a 30-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
The last time Detroit won their division was in 1993, when the NFC North was a member of the NFC Central. The league restructured in 2002 with the inclusion of the Houston Texans, and the Lions have finished second in the NFC North four times since. On Sunday, they created history and secured a home playoff game.
“I get emotional thinking about all the guys who went through 3-13, 1-6 early last year, and now can stand here NFC North champs,” quarterback Jared Goff said after the game to NFL Network.
With two games remaining in the regular season, Detroit is tied for the second-best record in the conference at 11-4. The Lions have won 11 games for the first time since 1993. They reached double digits faster than any Detroit team since the Kennedy era, and they appear to have the most comprehensive roster in recent memory.
Amon-Ra St. Brown scored his eighth touchdown of the season on Christmas Eve against the Vikings, thanks to a one-yard pass from quarterback Jared Goff. According to Lions PR, this is the first time in franchise history that a wide receiver, tight end, and running back have all scored eight or more touchdowns in a single season.
Jahmyr Gibbs, a rookie running back, scored two touchdowns on the day. Together with experienced counterpart David Montgomery, the Lions’ backs have 20 rushing touchdowns this season. Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta have combined for 20 touchdowns, a new franchise mark for a Lions rookie class.
The offense in Detroit is simply clicking again. They have quick production from top draft picks in 2023, a dependable veteran running back, and St. Brown had his seventh game of the season with more than 100 receiving yards, collecting 12 of 14 targets for 106 yards and a touchdown. Goff completed 30-of-40 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown. He discovered eight distinct receivers.
Coming into the game, the Lions were averaging the fifth-most points in the league (27.3). They were eighth in third-down conversion rate and sixth in red-zone percentage. Detroit boasts the third-most yards per game, second-most running yards, and fourth-most throwing yards. With skill players all over the field, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has turned Detroit’s offense into a strength. It has also been able to adapt and remain productive throughout the year due to its innovation and versatility. Johnson’s offense is impossible to predict.
Furthermore, the Lions defense appears to be rediscovering itself just in time for the postseason — and that’s before C.J. Gardner-Johnson returns from injury. Gardner-Johnson’s comeback period has begun, and he has returned to practice. Having him back should help to stabilize a unit that helped Minnesota win the game.
With the Lions trailing by six points and the Vikings on the move, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu comes up with the game-winning interception off quarterback Nick Mullens. It was the fourth interception of the day for the Lions secondary. Kerby Joseph had two, and Brian Branch, a rookie safety, had the other. Branch also forced a fumble, one of two on the day for the Lions.
The pass defense has struggled in recent weeks. These problems had a domino effect on that side of the ball, making it difficult for the defensive front, which only has Aidan Hutchinson to rely on for a pass rush. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill is on injured reserve but is eligible to return in Week 18, giving Detroit yet another defensive boost.
Lions fans can finally celebrate. The year has arrived. The Detroit Lions have won their division and are in the playoffs. All that remains to be determined is seeding — and games that are far more important.
