The
2017 season was the
Detroit Lions' 88th in the
National Football League (NFL), their 84th as the Detroit Lions, and their fourth and final season under
head coachJim Caldwell. The Lions finished with a 9–7 record, the same record they had in 2016, but unlike the previous year, failed to qualify for the playoffs. After starting the season 3–1, they lost 6 of their next 12 games. They were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention in week 16 following their loss to the
Cincinnati Bengals. Despite missing the playoffs, the Lions recorded consecutive winning seasons for the first time since
1994–
1995. They also won all of their division road games for the first time ever and swept their division rival
Green Bay Packers for the first time since
1991. Despite this, Caldwell was dismissed by the Lions after the season, having accumulating a winning record of 36–28 (4–25 against teams that finished with winning records), but no playoff wins, in four seasons.[1] The team also unveiled a new uniform set and logo, which removed the black that had been used a secondary color since 2003, as well an all-gray Color Rush uniform in week 15.[2]
The Lions would not record another winning season until
2022. It would be the final season they started with a win until
2023.
Offseason
Coaching staff
On January 4, the Lions announced
Jim Caldwell will return as head coach.[3]
On February 21, the Lions hired
George Godsey as defensive assistant/special projects.[4]
The Lions made two separate trades with the
New England Patriots — acquiring an additional sixth-round selection (No. 215 overall) in exchange for
linebackerKyle Van Noy and their original seventh-round selection (No. 239 overall); and acquiring an additional seventh-round selection (No. 250 overall) in exchange for
tight endMichael Williams.
The Lions traded their original third-round selection (No. 85 overall) to the Patriots in exchange for the Patriots' third-round selection (No. 96 overall) and their fourth-round selection (No. 124 overall).
To open the regular season, the Lions hosted the
Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals took an early lead in the first quarter with an 82-yard interception return from
Justin Bethel, followed by a 24-yard field goal from
Phil Dawson. The Lions got on the board in the second quarter with a six-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Marvin Jones Jr., and a 58-yard field goal from
Matt Prater to make the score 10–9 in favor of Arizona at half-time. In the third quarter, the Cardinals added to their lead with a three-yard touchdown run from
Kerwynn Williams, but the Lions responded with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Theo Riddick. In the final quarter, the Lions took their first lead with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Kenny Golladay. Stafford connected with Golladay again minutes later with a 45-yard touchdown pass, then
Miles Killebrew returned an interception 35 yards for the Lions' final points. The Cardinals scored with a one-yard touchdown pass from
Carson Palmer to
J. J. Nelson, making the final score 35–23 in favor of Detroit. It was Matthew Stafford's 27th fourth quarter or overtime comeback since 2011, the most in the league.[58]
Week 2: at New York Giants
Week Two: Detroit Lions at New York Giants – Game summary
In week 2, the Lions visited the
New York Giants to play on Monday Night Football. The Lions took an early lead in the first quarter with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Marvin Jones. The Giants tied the game in the second quarter with an 18-yard touchdown pass from
Eli Manning to
Evan Engram, but the Lions took the lead back (which they kept for the rest of the game) with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Eric Ebron, and a 56-yard field goal by Matt Prater to make the score 17–7 in favor of Detroit at half-time. Each team only scored once in the second half: first the Giants with a 25-yard field goal by
Aldrick Rosas in the third quarter, then the Lions with an 88-yard punt return by
Jamal Agnew in the fourth quarter, making the final score 24–10 for the Lions' second consecutive win. The Lions started the season 2–0 for the first time since
2011, and won both games by double digits for the first time since
1980.[59] Stafford threw his 193rd touchdown, passing
Bob Griese for the 48th spot on the all-time list.[60]
Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week Three: Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions – Game summary
In week 3, the Lions hosted the
Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons took an early lead in the first quarter with a four-yard touchdown pass from
Matt Ryan to
Mohamed Sanu. The Falcons scored 13 points in the second quarter via a 36-yard field goal from
Matt Bryant, a one-yard touchdown run from
Devonta Freeman, and a 48-yard field goal from Bryant. The Lions also scored 13 points in the second quarter via a 55-yard field goal from
Matt Prater, a 40-yard field goal from Prater, and a 37-yard interception return from
Glover Quin, to make the score 20–13 in favor of Atlanta at half-time. The Falcons extended their lead in the third quarter via a 40-yard field goal from Bryant. The Lions responded with an 11-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Golden Tate, and a 35-yard field goal from Prater to tie the game at 23. The Falcons regained the lead in the fourth quarter via a 40-yard touchdown pass from Ryan to
Taylor Gabriel. The Lions reduced the Falcons lead to four points with a 57-yard field goal from Prater. The Lions' attempted comeback failed when a touchdown pass from Stafford to Tate was overturned with eight seconds remaining in the game. Due to Tate being ruled down in the field of play and the Lions having no timeouts left, the
ten-second runoff rule was invoked, ending the game and giving the Lions their first loss of the season.
Week 4: at Minnesota Vikings
Week Four: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
In week 4, the Lions visited their divisional
rival, the
Minnesota Vikings. After a scoreless first quarter, the Lions got on the board with a 29-yard field goal by
Matt Prater. The Vikings responded a few minutes later with a five-yard rushing touchdown by
Dalvin Cook to make the score 7–3 in favor of Minnesota at half-time. The Lions scored 11 unanswered points in the second half. First, Prater kicked a 37-yard field goal to cut the Vikings' lead to three in the third quarter. Next, Detroit regained the lead with a three-yard rushing touchdown by
Ameer Abdullah, followed by a two-point conversion pass from
Matthew Stafford to
T. J. Jones. Both third quarter scores followed Vikings fumbles that were recovered by the Lions. Detroit's
Glover Quin forced another fumble by
Adam Thielen with under two minutes left in the game, which was recovered by
Tahir Whitehead to end Minnesota's attempt at a possible game-tying drive.
Week 5: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week Five: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
In week 5, the Lions hosted the
Carolina Panthers. The teams exchanged field goals in the first quarter, one from
Matt Prater from 30-yards, and one from
Graham Gano from 21-yards. The Lions regained the lead in the second quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from
Zach Zenner. The Panthers responded with a six-yard touchdown pass from
Cam Newton to
Christian McCaffrey, and a 10-yard touchdown pass from Newtwon to
Devin Funchess, to make the score 17–10 in favor of Carolina at half-time. The Panthers scored 10 points in the third quarter via a 31-yard touchdown pass from Newton to
Kelvin Benjamin, and a 44-yard field from Gano. The Lions responded with 14 points in the fourth quarter via two touchdown receptions from
Matthew Stafford to
Darren Fells, from four-yards and 20-yards respectively, making the final score 27–24 in favor of Carolina. Detroit's loss dropped them to 2nd in the NFC North, as the Packers beat the Cowboys later in the day to move to 4–1.
Week 6: at New Orleans Saints
Week Six: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
In week 6, the Lions visited the
New Orleans Saints. The Saints opened the scoring in the first quarter via a fumble recovery in the end zone by
Kenny Vaccaro. The Lions responded with a 45-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Golden Tate to tie the game. The Saints regained the lead via a 20-yard touchdown pass from
Drew Brees to
Ted Ginn Jr. and a 41-yard field goal from
Wil Lutz. The Saints scored 14 points in the second quarter via two touchdown runs from
Mark Ingram II from one and two-yards respectively.
Matt Prater recorded a 41-yard field goal to make the score 31–10 in favor of New Orleans at half-time. The Saints scored 14 points in the third quarter via a two-yard touchdown pass from Brees to
Michael Hoomanawanui and a 27-yard interception return from
Marshon Lattimore. The Lions responded with 28 straight points in the second half. The Lions scored 14 points in the third quarter via a 22-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Marvin Jones Jr. and a 22-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Darren Fells. The Lions scored 14 points in the fourth quarter via a 74-yard punt return from
Jamal Agnew and a two-yard interception return from
A'Shawn Robinson, reducing the Saints' lead to seven points. The Lions' attempted comeback failed when Stafford's pass intended for
Eric Ebron was intercepted in the end zone by
Cameron Jordan, making the final score 52–38 in favor of New Orleans.
Week 8: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Eight: Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
In week 8 following their bye-week, the Lions hosted the
Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. The teams exchanged field goals in the first quarter, one from
Chris Boswell from 34-yards, and one from
Matt Prater from 48-yards. The Lions scored nine points in the second quarter via three field goals from Prater, from 37-yards, 51-yards, and 34-yards, respectively. The Steelers responded with a five-yard touchdown run from
Le'Veon Bell, to make the score 12–10 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Steelers scored 10 points in the third quarter via a 38-yard field from Boswell, and a 97-yard touchdown pass from
Ben Roethlisberger to
JuJu Smith-Schuster. The Lions responded with a 19-yard field goal from Prater in the fourth quarter, making the final score 20–15 in favor of Pittsburgh.
The Lions had 482 total yards of offense without scoring a touchdown. This was the third-highest yardage total without a touchdown in NFL history.[61]
Week 9: at Green Bay Packers
Week Nine: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
In week 9, the Lions visited their divisional
rival, the
Green Bay Packers, on Monday Night Football. The Lions took an early lead on their opening drive of the first quarter, which they kept the rest of the game, via a 25-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Marvin Jones Jr. The Lions extended their lead in the second quarter via a four-yard touchdown run from
Ameer Abdullah. The Packers responded with a 35-yard field goal from
Mason Crosby, to make the score 14–3 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Lions opened the scoring in the second-half via a 44-yard field goal from
Matt Prater in the third quarter. The Lions scored 13 points in the fourth quarter via a 19-yard field goal from Prater, an 11-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Jones, and a 31-yard field goal from Prater. The Packers scored 14 points in the fourth quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from
Brett Hundley, and a one-yard touchdown run from
Jamaal Williams as time expired, making the final score 30–17 in favor of Detroit, snapping their three-game losing streak. After 23 consecutive road losses against the Packers between 1992 and 2014, the Lions have now won two of the last three meetings in Green Bay.
Matthew Stafford recorded his 200th career touchdown in the first quarter of the game, becoming the fourth quarterback in NFL history to do so before turning 30 years old, a list also occupied by
Brett Favre,
Dan Marino, and
Peyton Manning.[62] The game also marked the first time the Lions did not punt in a game since
Thanksgiving Day in
1971.[63]
Week 10: vs. Cleveland Browns
Week Ten: Cleveland Browns at Detroit Lions – Game summary
In week 10, the Lions hosted the winless
Cleveland Browns. The Browns scored 10 points in the first quarter via a 23-yard field goal from
Zane Gonzalez, and a 19-yard touchdown pass from
DeShone Kizer to
Kenny Britt. The Lions responded with a 46-yard field goal from Matt Prater. The Lions tied the game in the second quarter via an eight-yard touchdown run from
Ameer Abdullah, and took their first lead of the game via a 44-yard fumble return from
Nevin Lawson, to make the score 17–10 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Browns again tied the score in the third quarter via a six-yard touchdown run from
Isaiah Crowell, and regained the lead via a one-yard touchdown run from Kizer. The Lions responded by scoring the final 21 points in the game, first with an eight-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Theo Riddick in the third quarter, then via a pair of fourth quarter touchdown passes, first a 29-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Eric Ebron, and next a 40-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Golden Tate, making the final score 38–24 in favor of Detroit.
Week 11: at Chicago Bears
Week Eleven: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary
In week 11, the Lions visited their division
rival, the
Chicago Bears. The Bears scored 10 points in the first quarter via a 23-yard field goal from
Connor Barth, and a one-yard touchdown pass from
Mitchell Trubisky to
Adam Shaheen. The Lions scored 21 points in the second quarter via a 27-yard fumble return from
D. J. Hayden, a 28-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Marvin Jones Jr. and a two-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Ameer Abdullah. The Bears responded with a 12-yard touchdown run from
Jordan Howard, to make the score 21–17 in favor of Detroit at half-time. After a scoreless third quarter, the Lions extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a 27-yard field goal from
Matt Prater. The Bears responded with a 15-yard touchdown run from
Tarik Cohen to tie the game. The Lions regained the lead via a 52-yard field goal from Prater. The Bears attempted comeback failed when Barth missed a potentially game-tying 46-yard field goal attempt with eight seconds remaining in the game, making the final score 27–24 in favor of Detroit. With the win, the Lions won all of their division games on the road in a season for the first time in franchise history.
For their annual
Thanksgiving Day game, the Lions hosted a rematch with their divisional rival, the
Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings scored 13 points in the first quarter via a one-yard touchdown pass from
Case Keenum to
Kyle Rudolph, and a nine-yard touchdown run from Keenum. The Lions responded with 10 points in the second quarter via a 32-yard field goal from
Matt Prater and a six-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Marvin Jones Jr. The Vikings extended their lead in the second quarter via a 22-yard touchdown pass from Keenum to Rudolph to make the score 20–10 in favor of Minnesota at half-time. The Vikings opened the scoring in the second half via a two-yard touchdown run from
Latavius Murray. The Lions responded with two field goals from Prater in the third quarter from 32-yards, and 50-yards, respectively. The Lions reduced the Vikings lead to four points in the fourth via a 43-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Jones. The Vikings extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a 36-yard field goal from
Kai Forbath. The Lions' attempted comeback failed when Stafford's pass intended for Jones was intercepted by
Xavier Rhodes. On the Vikings' ensuing drive, Forbath's 25-yard field goal attempt was blocked by
Darius Slay and recovered by
Nevin Lawson and returned for a 77-yard touchdown, which was then nullified due to an
offside penalty on Slay, making the final score 30–23 in favor of Minnesota, snapping the Lions' three-game winning streak and snapping the team's four-game Thanksgiving Day win streak.
Week 13: at Baltimore Ravens
Week Thirteen: Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
In week 13, the Lions visited the
Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 38-yard field goal from
Justin Tucker. The Ravens added 17 points in the second quarter via a one-yard touchdown pass from
Joe Flacco to
Benjamin Watson, a three-yard touchdown pass from Flacco to
Patrick Ricard, and a 46-yard field goal from Tucker, giving the Ravens a 20–0 lead at the intermission. After half-time, the Lions finally got on the board and scored 13 points in the third quarter via a four-yard touchdown run from
Theo Riddick, and a six-yard touchdown run from
Tion Green (the first of his career), reducing the Ravens' lead to seven points. The Ravens responded with 24 points in the fourth quarter via a seven-yard touchdown run from
Alex Collins, a 51-yard field goal from Tucker, a six-yard touchdown run from Collins, and a 45-yard interception return from
Eric Weddle. The Lions scored via a one-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Nick Bellore, making the final score 44–20 in favor of Baltimore.
Week 14: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Fourteen: Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
In week 14, the Lions visited the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Each team exchanged touchdowns in the first quarter. First a two-yard touchdown run from Detroit's
Theo Riddick, then a one-yard touchdown run from Tampa Bay's
Doug Martin. The only score of the second quarter was a five-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Golden Tate, to make the score 14–7 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Lions scored the only points of the third quarter when Riddick ran in his second touchdown of the game, this time from 18-yards. Tampa Bay responded with back-to-back touchdowns in the fourth quarter, first with a two-yard touchdown pass from
Jameis Winston to
O. J. Howard, then a two-yard touchdown pass from Winston to
Leonard Wester to tie the game at 21.
Matt Prater kicked a 46-yard field goal with 20 seconds left in the game, making the final score 24–21 in favor of Detroit.
Week 15: vs. Chicago Bears
Week Fifteen: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary
In week 15, the Lions donned brand new all-silver uniforms and hosted a Saturday evening rematch with their division rivals, the
Chicago Bears. The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 48-yard field goal from
Matt Prater. The Lions extended their lead in the second quarter via a 31-yard field goal from Prater, and a three-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
T. J. Jones. The Bears got on the board via a 41-yard field goal from
Mike Nugent with two seconds remaining in the first half, to make the score 13–3 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Lions scored the only points in the third quarter via an eight-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Eric Ebron. The Bears scored the only points in the fourth quarter via a nine-yard touchdown pass from
Mitchell Trubisky to
Benny Cunningham, making the final score 20–10 in favor of Detroit.
Week 16: at Cincinnati Bengals
Week Sixteen: Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
In week 16, the Lions visited the
Cincinnati Bengals on
Christmas Eve to finish their road schedule. The Lions took an early lead when
Eric Ebron caught a 33-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford for the only points of the first quarter. The Bengals'
Randy Bullock kicked a pair of field goals in the second quarter, from 29-yards and 27-yards, respectively, to make the score 7–6 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Lions extended their lead in the third quarter when
Matt Prater kicked a 23-yard field goal, but then the Bengals took their first lead of the game when
C. J. Uzomah caught a one-yard touchdown pass from
Andy Dalton. In the fourth quarter the Bengals extended their lead when Bullock scored another field goal from 35-yards out, then Detroit's
Tion Green ran in a touchdown from five-yards out to give the Lions a 17–16 lead. However, Cincinnati regained the lead when they added ten more points with a 51-yard field goal from Bullock and a 12-yard touchdown run from
Giovani Bernard to make the final score 26–17 in favor of the Bengals. With the loss, the Lions were eliminated from playoff contention.
Week 17: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week Seventeen: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
DET -
Marvin Jones Jr. 3-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick). Lions 17–3. Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:42.
DET - Matt Prater 30-yard field goal. Lions 20–3. Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 1:10.
Third quarter
DET -
Golden Tate 71-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick). Lions 27–3. Drive: 1 plays, 71 yards, 0:12.
Fourth quarter
GB -
Randall Cobb 17-yard pass from
Brett Hundley (Randall Cobb pass from Brett Hundley is complete for 2-point conversion). Lions 27–11. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 5:11.
DET -
Ameer Abdullah 7-yard run (Matthew Stafford pass from Golden Tate is complete for 2-point conversion). Lions 35–11. Drive: 1 plays, 71 yards, 0:12.
To finish the season, the Lions hosted a rematch with their divisional rivals, the
Green Bay Packers, on
New Year's Eve. The teams exchanged field goals in the first quarter, one from Green Bay's
Mason Crosby from 41-yards, and one from Detroit's
Matt Prater from 28-yards. The Lions scored 17 points in the second quarter via a 54-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Kenny Golladay, a three-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Marvin Jones Jr., and a 30-yard field goal from Prater, to make the score 20–3 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Lions extended their lead in the third quarter via a 71-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Golden Tate. Each team exchanged touchdowns in the fourth quarter. First a 17-yard touchdown pass from
Brett Hundley to
Randall Cobb of the Packers, followed by a two-point conversion pass from Hundley to Cobb for the Packers. Then the Lions scored the game's final points with a seven-yard touchdown run from
Ameer Abdullah, followed by a two-point conversion pass from Tate to Stafford, making the final score 35–11 in favor of Detroit. With the win, it marked the first time the Lions beat the Packers twice in the regular season since
1991. The Lions also had their first back-to-back winning seasons since
1994 and
1995.
^
abPhiladelphia claimed the No. 1 seed over Minnesota based on winning percentage vs. common opponents. Philadelphia's cumulative record against Carolina, Chicago, the Los Angeles Rams and Washington was 5–0, compared to Minnesota's 4–1 cumulative record against the same four teams.
^
abLA Rams claimed the No. 3 seed over New Orleans based on head-to-head victory.
^
abNew Orleans clinched the NFC South division over Carolina based on head-to-head sweep.
^
abcDetroit finished ahead of Dallas and Seattle based on conference record, while Seattle finished ahead of Dallas based on head-to-head victory.
^
abGreen Bay finished ahead of Washington based on record vs. common opponents. Green Bay's cumulative record against Dallas, Minnesota, New Orleans and Seattle was 2–3, compared to Washington's 1–4 cumulative record against the same four teams.
^
abTampa Bay finished ahead of Chicago based on head-to-head victory.
^When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.
The
2017 season was the
Detroit Lions' 88th in the
National Football League (NFL), their 84th as the Detroit Lions, and their fourth and final season under
head coachJim Caldwell. The Lions finished with a 9–7 record, the same record they had in 2016, but unlike the previous year, failed to qualify for the playoffs. After starting the season 3–1, they lost 6 of their next 12 games. They were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention in week 16 following their loss to the
Cincinnati Bengals. Despite missing the playoffs, the Lions recorded consecutive winning seasons for the first time since
1994–
1995. They also won all of their division road games for the first time ever and swept their division rival
Green Bay Packers for the first time since
1991. Despite this, Caldwell was dismissed by the Lions after the season, having accumulating a winning record of 36–28 (4–25 against teams that finished with winning records), but no playoff wins, in four seasons.[1] The team also unveiled a new uniform set and logo, which removed the black that had been used a secondary color since 2003, as well an all-gray Color Rush uniform in week 15.[2]
The Lions would not record another winning season until
2022. It would be the final season they started with a win until
2023.
Offseason
Coaching staff
On January 4, the Lions announced
Jim Caldwell will return as head coach.[3]
On February 21, the Lions hired
George Godsey as defensive assistant/special projects.[4]
The Lions made two separate trades with the
New England Patriots — acquiring an additional sixth-round selection (No. 215 overall) in exchange for
linebackerKyle Van Noy and their original seventh-round selection (No. 239 overall); and acquiring an additional seventh-round selection (No. 250 overall) in exchange for
tight endMichael Williams.
The Lions traded their original third-round selection (No. 85 overall) to the Patriots in exchange for the Patriots' third-round selection (No. 96 overall) and their fourth-round selection (No. 124 overall).
To open the regular season, the Lions hosted the
Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals took an early lead in the first quarter with an 82-yard interception return from
Justin Bethel, followed by a 24-yard field goal from
Phil Dawson. The Lions got on the board in the second quarter with a six-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Marvin Jones Jr., and a 58-yard field goal from
Matt Prater to make the score 10–9 in favor of Arizona at half-time. In the third quarter, the Cardinals added to their lead with a three-yard touchdown run from
Kerwynn Williams, but the Lions responded with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Theo Riddick. In the final quarter, the Lions took their first lead with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Kenny Golladay. Stafford connected with Golladay again minutes later with a 45-yard touchdown pass, then
Miles Killebrew returned an interception 35 yards for the Lions' final points. The Cardinals scored with a one-yard touchdown pass from
Carson Palmer to
J. J. Nelson, making the final score 35–23 in favor of Detroit. It was Matthew Stafford's 27th fourth quarter or overtime comeback since 2011, the most in the league.[58]
Week 2: at New York Giants
Week Two: Detroit Lions at New York Giants – Game summary
In week 2, the Lions visited the
New York Giants to play on Monday Night Football. The Lions took an early lead in the first quarter with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Marvin Jones. The Giants tied the game in the second quarter with an 18-yard touchdown pass from
Eli Manning to
Evan Engram, but the Lions took the lead back (which they kept for the rest of the game) with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Eric Ebron, and a 56-yard field goal by Matt Prater to make the score 17–7 in favor of Detroit at half-time. Each team only scored once in the second half: first the Giants with a 25-yard field goal by
Aldrick Rosas in the third quarter, then the Lions with an 88-yard punt return by
Jamal Agnew in the fourth quarter, making the final score 24–10 for the Lions' second consecutive win. The Lions started the season 2–0 for the first time since
2011, and won both games by double digits for the first time since
1980.[59] Stafford threw his 193rd touchdown, passing
Bob Griese for the 48th spot on the all-time list.[60]
Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week Three: Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions – Game summary
In week 3, the Lions hosted the
Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons took an early lead in the first quarter with a four-yard touchdown pass from
Matt Ryan to
Mohamed Sanu. The Falcons scored 13 points in the second quarter via a 36-yard field goal from
Matt Bryant, a one-yard touchdown run from
Devonta Freeman, and a 48-yard field goal from Bryant. The Lions also scored 13 points in the second quarter via a 55-yard field goal from
Matt Prater, a 40-yard field goal from Prater, and a 37-yard interception return from
Glover Quin, to make the score 20–13 in favor of Atlanta at half-time. The Falcons extended their lead in the third quarter via a 40-yard field goal from Bryant. The Lions responded with an 11-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Golden Tate, and a 35-yard field goal from Prater to tie the game at 23. The Falcons regained the lead in the fourth quarter via a 40-yard touchdown pass from Ryan to
Taylor Gabriel. The Lions reduced the Falcons lead to four points with a 57-yard field goal from Prater. The Lions' attempted comeback failed when a touchdown pass from Stafford to Tate was overturned with eight seconds remaining in the game. Due to Tate being ruled down in the field of play and the Lions having no timeouts left, the
ten-second runoff rule was invoked, ending the game and giving the Lions their first loss of the season.
Week 4: at Minnesota Vikings
Week Four: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
In week 4, the Lions visited their divisional
rival, the
Minnesota Vikings. After a scoreless first quarter, the Lions got on the board with a 29-yard field goal by
Matt Prater. The Vikings responded a few minutes later with a five-yard rushing touchdown by
Dalvin Cook to make the score 7–3 in favor of Minnesota at half-time. The Lions scored 11 unanswered points in the second half. First, Prater kicked a 37-yard field goal to cut the Vikings' lead to three in the third quarter. Next, Detroit regained the lead with a three-yard rushing touchdown by
Ameer Abdullah, followed by a two-point conversion pass from
Matthew Stafford to
T. J. Jones. Both third quarter scores followed Vikings fumbles that were recovered by the Lions. Detroit's
Glover Quin forced another fumble by
Adam Thielen with under two minutes left in the game, which was recovered by
Tahir Whitehead to end Minnesota's attempt at a possible game-tying drive.
Week 5: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week Five: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
In week 5, the Lions hosted the
Carolina Panthers. The teams exchanged field goals in the first quarter, one from
Matt Prater from 30-yards, and one from
Graham Gano from 21-yards. The Lions regained the lead in the second quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from
Zach Zenner. The Panthers responded with a six-yard touchdown pass from
Cam Newton to
Christian McCaffrey, and a 10-yard touchdown pass from Newtwon to
Devin Funchess, to make the score 17–10 in favor of Carolina at half-time. The Panthers scored 10 points in the third quarter via a 31-yard touchdown pass from Newton to
Kelvin Benjamin, and a 44-yard field from Gano. The Lions responded with 14 points in the fourth quarter via two touchdown receptions from
Matthew Stafford to
Darren Fells, from four-yards and 20-yards respectively, making the final score 27–24 in favor of Carolina. Detroit's loss dropped them to 2nd in the NFC North, as the Packers beat the Cowboys later in the day to move to 4–1.
Week 6: at New Orleans Saints
Week Six: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
In week 6, the Lions visited the
New Orleans Saints. The Saints opened the scoring in the first quarter via a fumble recovery in the end zone by
Kenny Vaccaro. The Lions responded with a 45-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Golden Tate to tie the game. The Saints regained the lead via a 20-yard touchdown pass from
Drew Brees to
Ted Ginn Jr. and a 41-yard field goal from
Wil Lutz. The Saints scored 14 points in the second quarter via two touchdown runs from
Mark Ingram II from one and two-yards respectively.
Matt Prater recorded a 41-yard field goal to make the score 31–10 in favor of New Orleans at half-time. The Saints scored 14 points in the third quarter via a two-yard touchdown pass from Brees to
Michael Hoomanawanui and a 27-yard interception return from
Marshon Lattimore. The Lions responded with 28 straight points in the second half. The Lions scored 14 points in the third quarter via a 22-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Marvin Jones Jr. and a 22-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Darren Fells. The Lions scored 14 points in the fourth quarter via a 74-yard punt return from
Jamal Agnew and a two-yard interception return from
A'Shawn Robinson, reducing the Saints' lead to seven points. The Lions' attempted comeback failed when Stafford's pass intended for
Eric Ebron was intercepted in the end zone by
Cameron Jordan, making the final score 52–38 in favor of New Orleans.
Week 8: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Eight: Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
In week 8 following their bye-week, the Lions hosted the
Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. The teams exchanged field goals in the first quarter, one from
Chris Boswell from 34-yards, and one from
Matt Prater from 48-yards. The Lions scored nine points in the second quarter via three field goals from Prater, from 37-yards, 51-yards, and 34-yards, respectively. The Steelers responded with a five-yard touchdown run from
Le'Veon Bell, to make the score 12–10 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Steelers scored 10 points in the third quarter via a 38-yard field from Boswell, and a 97-yard touchdown pass from
Ben Roethlisberger to
JuJu Smith-Schuster. The Lions responded with a 19-yard field goal from Prater in the fourth quarter, making the final score 20–15 in favor of Pittsburgh.
The Lions had 482 total yards of offense without scoring a touchdown. This was the third-highest yardage total without a touchdown in NFL history.[61]
Week 9: at Green Bay Packers
Week Nine: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
In week 9, the Lions visited their divisional
rival, the
Green Bay Packers, on Monday Night Football. The Lions took an early lead on their opening drive of the first quarter, which they kept the rest of the game, via a 25-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Marvin Jones Jr. The Lions extended their lead in the second quarter via a four-yard touchdown run from
Ameer Abdullah. The Packers responded with a 35-yard field goal from
Mason Crosby, to make the score 14–3 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Lions opened the scoring in the second-half via a 44-yard field goal from
Matt Prater in the third quarter. The Lions scored 13 points in the fourth quarter via a 19-yard field goal from Prater, an 11-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Jones, and a 31-yard field goal from Prater. The Packers scored 14 points in the fourth quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from
Brett Hundley, and a one-yard touchdown run from
Jamaal Williams as time expired, making the final score 30–17 in favor of Detroit, snapping their three-game losing streak. After 23 consecutive road losses against the Packers between 1992 and 2014, the Lions have now won two of the last three meetings in Green Bay.
Matthew Stafford recorded his 200th career touchdown in the first quarter of the game, becoming the fourth quarterback in NFL history to do so before turning 30 years old, a list also occupied by
Brett Favre,
Dan Marino, and
Peyton Manning.[62] The game also marked the first time the Lions did not punt in a game since
Thanksgiving Day in
1971.[63]
Week 10: vs. Cleveland Browns
Week Ten: Cleveland Browns at Detroit Lions – Game summary
In week 10, the Lions hosted the winless
Cleveland Browns. The Browns scored 10 points in the first quarter via a 23-yard field goal from
Zane Gonzalez, and a 19-yard touchdown pass from
DeShone Kizer to
Kenny Britt. The Lions responded with a 46-yard field goal from Matt Prater. The Lions tied the game in the second quarter via an eight-yard touchdown run from
Ameer Abdullah, and took their first lead of the game via a 44-yard fumble return from
Nevin Lawson, to make the score 17–10 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Browns again tied the score in the third quarter via a six-yard touchdown run from
Isaiah Crowell, and regained the lead via a one-yard touchdown run from Kizer. The Lions responded by scoring the final 21 points in the game, first with an eight-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Theo Riddick in the third quarter, then via a pair of fourth quarter touchdown passes, first a 29-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Eric Ebron, and next a 40-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Golden Tate, making the final score 38–24 in favor of Detroit.
Week 11: at Chicago Bears
Week Eleven: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary
In week 11, the Lions visited their division
rival, the
Chicago Bears. The Bears scored 10 points in the first quarter via a 23-yard field goal from
Connor Barth, and a one-yard touchdown pass from
Mitchell Trubisky to
Adam Shaheen. The Lions scored 21 points in the second quarter via a 27-yard fumble return from
D. J. Hayden, a 28-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Marvin Jones Jr. and a two-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Ameer Abdullah. The Bears responded with a 12-yard touchdown run from
Jordan Howard, to make the score 21–17 in favor of Detroit at half-time. After a scoreless third quarter, the Lions extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a 27-yard field goal from
Matt Prater. The Bears responded with a 15-yard touchdown run from
Tarik Cohen to tie the game. The Lions regained the lead via a 52-yard field goal from Prater. The Bears attempted comeback failed when Barth missed a potentially game-tying 46-yard field goal attempt with eight seconds remaining in the game, making the final score 27–24 in favor of Detroit. With the win, the Lions won all of their division games on the road in a season for the first time in franchise history.
For their annual
Thanksgiving Day game, the Lions hosted a rematch with their divisional rival, the
Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings scored 13 points in the first quarter via a one-yard touchdown pass from
Case Keenum to
Kyle Rudolph, and a nine-yard touchdown run from Keenum. The Lions responded with 10 points in the second quarter via a 32-yard field goal from
Matt Prater and a six-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Marvin Jones Jr. The Vikings extended their lead in the second quarter via a 22-yard touchdown pass from Keenum to Rudolph to make the score 20–10 in favor of Minnesota at half-time. The Vikings opened the scoring in the second half via a two-yard touchdown run from
Latavius Murray. The Lions responded with two field goals from Prater in the third quarter from 32-yards, and 50-yards, respectively. The Lions reduced the Vikings lead to four points in the fourth via a 43-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Jones. The Vikings extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a 36-yard field goal from
Kai Forbath. The Lions' attempted comeback failed when Stafford's pass intended for Jones was intercepted by
Xavier Rhodes. On the Vikings' ensuing drive, Forbath's 25-yard field goal attempt was blocked by
Darius Slay and recovered by
Nevin Lawson and returned for a 77-yard touchdown, which was then nullified due to an
offside penalty on Slay, making the final score 30–23 in favor of Minnesota, snapping the Lions' three-game winning streak and snapping the team's four-game Thanksgiving Day win streak.
Week 13: at Baltimore Ravens
Week Thirteen: Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
In week 13, the Lions visited the
Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 38-yard field goal from
Justin Tucker. The Ravens added 17 points in the second quarter via a one-yard touchdown pass from
Joe Flacco to
Benjamin Watson, a three-yard touchdown pass from Flacco to
Patrick Ricard, and a 46-yard field goal from Tucker, giving the Ravens a 20–0 lead at the intermission. After half-time, the Lions finally got on the board and scored 13 points in the third quarter via a four-yard touchdown run from
Theo Riddick, and a six-yard touchdown run from
Tion Green (the first of his career), reducing the Ravens' lead to seven points. The Ravens responded with 24 points in the fourth quarter via a seven-yard touchdown run from
Alex Collins, a 51-yard field goal from Tucker, a six-yard touchdown run from Collins, and a 45-yard interception return from
Eric Weddle. The Lions scored via a one-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Nick Bellore, making the final score 44–20 in favor of Baltimore.
Week 14: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Fourteen: Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
In week 14, the Lions visited the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Each team exchanged touchdowns in the first quarter. First a two-yard touchdown run from Detroit's
Theo Riddick, then a one-yard touchdown run from Tampa Bay's
Doug Martin. The only score of the second quarter was a five-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Golden Tate, to make the score 14–7 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Lions scored the only points of the third quarter when Riddick ran in his second touchdown of the game, this time from 18-yards. Tampa Bay responded with back-to-back touchdowns in the fourth quarter, first with a two-yard touchdown pass from
Jameis Winston to
O. J. Howard, then a two-yard touchdown pass from Winston to
Leonard Wester to tie the game at 21.
Matt Prater kicked a 46-yard field goal with 20 seconds left in the game, making the final score 24–21 in favor of Detroit.
Week 15: vs. Chicago Bears
Week Fifteen: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary
In week 15, the Lions donned brand new all-silver uniforms and hosted a Saturday evening rematch with their division rivals, the
Chicago Bears. The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 48-yard field goal from
Matt Prater. The Lions extended their lead in the second quarter via a 31-yard field goal from Prater, and a three-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
T. J. Jones. The Bears got on the board via a 41-yard field goal from
Mike Nugent with two seconds remaining in the first half, to make the score 13–3 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Lions scored the only points in the third quarter via an eight-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Eric Ebron. The Bears scored the only points in the fourth quarter via a nine-yard touchdown pass from
Mitchell Trubisky to
Benny Cunningham, making the final score 20–10 in favor of Detroit.
Week 16: at Cincinnati Bengals
Week Sixteen: Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
In week 16, the Lions visited the
Cincinnati Bengals on
Christmas Eve to finish their road schedule. The Lions took an early lead when
Eric Ebron caught a 33-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford for the only points of the first quarter. The Bengals'
Randy Bullock kicked a pair of field goals in the second quarter, from 29-yards and 27-yards, respectively, to make the score 7–6 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Lions extended their lead in the third quarter when
Matt Prater kicked a 23-yard field goal, but then the Bengals took their first lead of the game when
C. J. Uzomah caught a one-yard touchdown pass from
Andy Dalton. In the fourth quarter the Bengals extended their lead when Bullock scored another field goal from 35-yards out, then Detroit's
Tion Green ran in a touchdown from five-yards out to give the Lions a 17–16 lead. However, Cincinnati regained the lead when they added ten more points with a 51-yard field goal from Bullock and a 12-yard touchdown run from
Giovani Bernard to make the final score 26–17 in favor of the Bengals. With the loss, the Lions were eliminated from playoff contention.
Week 17: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week Seventeen: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
DET -
Marvin Jones Jr. 3-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick). Lions 17–3. Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:42.
DET - Matt Prater 30-yard field goal. Lions 20–3. Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 1:10.
Third quarter
DET -
Golden Tate 71-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick). Lions 27–3. Drive: 1 plays, 71 yards, 0:12.
Fourth quarter
GB -
Randall Cobb 17-yard pass from
Brett Hundley (Randall Cobb pass from Brett Hundley is complete for 2-point conversion). Lions 27–11. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 5:11.
DET -
Ameer Abdullah 7-yard run (Matthew Stafford pass from Golden Tate is complete for 2-point conversion). Lions 35–11. Drive: 1 plays, 71 yards, 0:12.
To finish the season, the Lions hosted a rematch with their divisional rivals, the
Green Bay Packers, on
New Year's Eve. The teams exchanged field goals in the first quarter, one from Green Bay's
Mason Crosby from 41-yards, and one from Detroit's
Matt Prater from 28-yards. The Lions scored 17 points in the second quarter via a 54-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford to
Kenny Golladay, a three-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Marvin Jones Jr., and a 30-yard field goal from Prater, to make the score 20–3 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Lions extended their lead in the third quarter via a 71-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Golden Tate. Each team exchanged touchdowns in the fourth quarter. First a 17-yard touchdown pass from
Brett Hundley to
Randall Cobb of the Packers, followed by a two-point conversion pass from Hundley to Cobb for the Packers. Then the Lions scored the game's final points with a seven-yard touchdown run from
Ameer Abdullah, followed by a two-point conversion pass from Tate to Stafford, making the final score 35–11 in favor of Detroit. With the win, it marked the first time the Lions beat the Packers twice in the regular season since
1991. The Lions also had their first back-to-back winning seasons since
1994 and
1995.
^
abPhiladelphia claimed the No. 1 seed over Minnesota based on winning percentage vs. common opponents. Philadelphia's cumulative record against Carolina, Chicago, the Los Angeles Rams and Washington was 5–0, compared to Minnesota's 4–1 cumulative record against the same four teams.
^
abLA Rams claimed the No. 3 seed over New Orleans based on head-to-head victory.
^
abNew Orleans clinched the NFC South division over Carolina based on head-to-head sweep.
^
abcDetroit finished ahead of Dallas and Seattle based on conference record, while Seattle finished ahead of Dallas based on head-to-head victory.
^
abGreen Bay finished ahead of Washington based on record vs. common opponents. Green Bay's cumulative record against Dallas, Minnesota, New Orleans and Seattle was 2–3, compared to Washington's 1–4 cumulative record against the same four teams.
^
abTampa Bay finished ahead of Chicago based on head-to-head victory.
^When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.