2023 Detroit Lions season

Last updated

2023 Detroit Lions season
Detroit Lions wordmark.svg
Owner Sheila Ford Hamp
General manager Brad Holmes
Head coach Dan Campbell
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn
Home field Ford Field
Local radio Detroit Lions Radio Network
Results
Record12–5
Division place1st NFC North
Playoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs
(vs. Rams) 24–23
Won Divisional Playoffs
(vs. Buccaneers) 31–23
Lost NFC Championship
(at 49ers) 31–34
Pro Bowlers
7
AP All-Pros
5
Uniform
Detroit Lions Uniforms 2023.png

The 2023 season was the Detroit Lions' 94th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 90th In Detroit, and their third under the head coach/general manager tandem of Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes.

Contents

The Lions improved upon their 9–8 record from the previous season, after a Week 15 win against the Denver Broncos gave them their first 10-win season since 2014. The Lions finished the regular season with a 12–5 record, tying a franchise record for wins and ending up in a three-way tie with the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys for the best record in the NFC. Their .706 winning percentage was their best since 1991.

After a win against the Chicago Bears in Week 11, the Lions started 8–2 for the first time since 1962. [1] After a Week 16 win against the Minnesota Vikings, the Lions won their first division title since 1993, and their first ever as a member of the NFC North following the NFL's division realignment in 2002. [2] This also marks their first playoff appearance since 2016. The win assured them their first home playoff game since 1993 and only their third since winning their last NFL title in 1957.

However, they were seeded third for the NFC playoffs, having lost the conference record tiebreaker to the 49ers and the head-to-head record to the Cowboys. In their first playoff game at Ford Field, the Lions defeated their former quarterback Matthew Stafford and current quarterback Jared Goff's former team, the Los Angeles Rams 24–23 in the Wild Card game for their first playoff victory since the 1991 season, ending the longest winless post-season drought in the NFL. [3] The Lions hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round, which marked the first time the Lions hosted two playoff games in the same season in franchise history. The Lions defeated the Buccaneers 31–23 to advance to the NFC Championship for the first time since the 1991 season. However, they yielded a 24–7 lead and lost in the NFC Championship Game to the San Francisco 49ers 34–31. [4]

The Detroit Lions drew an average home attendance of 64,850 in 8 home games in the 2023 NFL season, the 25th highest in the league. [5]

The Spirit of Detroit decorated with a Lions jersey in January 2024 to celebrate the Lions' postseason run G7I2548 (53484336412) (1).jpg
The Spirit of Detroit decorated with a Lions jersey in January 2024 to celebrate the Lions' postseason run

Player movements

Free agents

PositionPlayer Free agency
tag		Date signed2023 teamSource
LB Alex Anzalone UFAMarch 15Detroit Lions [6]
K Michael Badgley UFAMarch 20Detroit Lions [7]
LB Chris Board UFAMarch 22New England Patriots [8]
G Evan Brown UFAApril 3Seattle Seahawks [9]
DE Austin Bryant UFAMarch 23San Francisco 49ers [10]
DT Isaiah Buggs UFAMarch 13Detroit Lions [11]
WR D. J. Chark UFAMarch 24Carolina Panthers [12]
DE John Cominsky UFAMarch 15Detroit Lions [13]
LS Scott Daly ERFAMarch 22Detroit Lions [14]
S DeShon Elliott UFAMarch 17Miami Dolphins [15]
S Will Harris UFAMarch 16Detroit Lions [16]
RB Justin Jackson UFAJuly 22Detroit Lions [17]
CB Mike Hughes UFAMarch 20Atlanta Falcons [18]
DT Benito Jones ERFAApril 26Detroit Lions [19]
G Tommy Kraemer ERFAAugust 2New Orleans Saints [20]
S C. J. Moore UFAMarch 20Detroit Lions [21]
OT Matt Nelson RFAMarch 14Detroit Lions [22]
CB Amani Oruwariye UFAMarch 23New York Giants [23]
C Ross Pierschbacher RFAMarch 8Detroit Lions [24]
LB Anthony Pittman ERFAMarch 13Detroit Lions [25]
CB Bobby Price RFAJune 5Arizona Cardinals [26]
RB Craig Reynolds ERFAMarch 13Detroit Lions [27]
G Dan Skipper RFAAugust 1Indianapolis Colts [28]
QB Nate Sudfeld UFAMarch 24Detroit Lions [29]
RB Jamaal Williams UFAMarch 17New Orleans Saints [30]
LB Josh Woods UFAMarch 23Arizona Cardinals [31]
TE Brock Wright ERFAMarch 13Detroit Lions [32]
TE Shane Zylstra ERFAMarch 13Detroit Lions [32]

Additions

PositionPlayerPrevious teamDateSource
S C.J. Gardner-Johnson Philadelphia Eagles March 20 [33]
G Graham Glasgow Denver Broncos March 20 [34]
WR Marvin Jones Jr. Jacksonville Jaguars April 5 [35]
CB Mac McCain Philadelphia Eagles February 23 [36]
LS Jake McQuaide Dallas Cowboys March 20 [37]
RB David Montgomery Chicago Bears March 16 [38]
CB Emmanuel Moseley San Francisco 49ers March 16 [39]
LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin Houston Texans March 27 [40]
CB Cameron Sutton Pittsburgh Steelers March 16 [41]
TE Patrick Murtaugh N/AMay 4 [41]

Releases

PositionPlayer2023 teamRelease dateSource
DT Michael Brockers February 24 [42]
CB Jeff Okudah Atlanta FalconsApril 11 [43]
WR Quintez Cephus April 21 [44]
S C. J. Moore April 21
RB D'Andre Swift Philadelphia EaglesApril 29 [45]
G Logan Stenberg Chicago BearsAugust 10 [46]
WR Marvin Jones Jr. October 24 [47]

Draft

2023 Detroit Lions Draft
RoundSelectionPlayerPositionCollegeNotesSource
1 12 Jahmyr Gibbs RB Alabama From Arizona [48]
18 Jack Campbell LB Iowa [49]
234 Sam LaPorta TE Iowa From Arizona [50]
45 Brian Branch S Alabama From Green Bay [51]
368 Hendon Hooker QB Tennessee From Denver [52]
96 Brodric Martin DT Western Kentucky From Arizona [53]
5152 Colby Sorsdal OT William & Mary [54]
7219 Antoine Green WR North Carolina From Philadelphia [55]
2023 Detroit Lions undrafted free agents
NamePositionCollegeRef.
Brad Cecil C South Florida [56]
Chase Cota WR Oregon
Isaac Darkangelo LB Illinois
Dylan Drummond WR Eastern Michigan
Cory Durden DT NC State
Connor Galvin OT Baylor
Steven Gilmore Jr. CB Marshall
Mohamed Ibrahim RB Minnesota
Brandon Joseph S Notre Dame
Adrian Martinez QB Kansas State
Zach Morton DE Akron
Trevor Nowaske LB Saginaw Valley State
Chris Smith DTNotre Dame
Ryan Swoboda OT UCF
Starling Thomas V CB UAB
Keytaon Thompson WR Virginia

Staff

2023 Detroit Lions staff

Front office

  • Owner – Sheila Ford Hamp
  • Vice chairpeople – William Clay Ford Jr., Martha Ford Morse and Elizabeth Ford Kontulis
  • Team president & CEO – Rod Wood
  • Executive vice president & general manager – Brad Holmes
  • Chief operating officer – Mike Disner
  • Special assistant to chairman and president & CEO – Chris Spielman
  • Assistant general manager – Ray Agnew
  • Director of player personnel – Lance Newmark
  • Director of pro scouting – Rob Lohman
  • Director of scouting advancement – Mike Martin
  • Senior director of football administration – Brandon Sosna
  • Senior personnel executive – John Dorsey

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator – Aaron Glenn
  • Defensive line – John Scott Jr.
  • Assistant defensive line – Cameron Davis
  • Linebackers – Kelvin Sheppard
  • Assistant linebackers – Shaun Dion Hamilton
  • Defensive backs – Brian Duker
  • Cornerbacks – Dré Bly
  • Defensive assistant/outside linebackers – David Corrao
  • Defensive quality control – Wayne Blair
  • Senior defensive assistant – John Fox
  • WCF minority coaching assistant/defensive quality control – Dré Thompson

Special teams coaches

  • Special teams coordinator – Dave Fipp
  • Assistant special teams – Jett Modkins

Strength and conditioning

  • Director of sports performance – Mike Clark
  • Director of sports science – Jill Costanza
  • Head strength & conditioning – Josh Schuler
  • Assistant strength & conditioning – Morris Henry


Final roster

2023 Detroit Lions roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

 Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

 Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics

Preseason

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1August 11 New York Giants W 21–161–0 Ford Field Recap
2August 19 Jacksonville Jaguars L 7–251–1Ford Field Recap
3August 25at Carolina Panthers W 26–172–1 Bank of America Stadium Recap

Regular season

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1 September 7 at Kansas City Chiefs W 21–201–0 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
2 September 17 Seattle Seahawks L 31–37 (OT)1–1 Ford Field Recap
3 September 24 Atlanta Falcons W 20–62–1Ford Field Recap
4 September 28at Green Bay Packers W 34–203–1 Lambeau Field Recap
5 October 8 Carolina Panthers W 42–244–1Ford Field Recap
6 October 15at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 20–65–1 Raymond James Stadium Recap
7 October 22at Baltimore Ravens L 6–385–2 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
8 October 30 Las Vegas Raiders W 26–146–2Ford Field Recap
9 Bye
10 November 12at Los Angeles Chargers W 41–387–2 SoFi Stadium Recap
11 November 19 Chicago Bears W 31–268–2Ford Field Recap
12 November 23 Green Bay Packers L 22–298–3Ford Field Recap
13 December 3at New Orleans Saints W 33–289–3 Caesars Superdome Recap
14 December 10at Chicago Bears L 13–289–4 Soldier Field Recap
15 December 16 Denver Broncos W 42–1710–4Ford Field Recap
16 December 24at Minnesota Vikings W 30–2411–4 U.S. Bank Stadium Recap
17 December 30at Dallas Cowboys L 19–2011–5 AT&T Stadium Recap
18 January 7 Minnesota Vikings W 30–2012–5Ford Field Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 1: Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Lions707721
Chiefs0143320

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Game information

To open the regular season, the Lions visited the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the annual NFL Kickoff Game. The Lions took advantage of the Chiefs not having Travis Kelce, their star tight end, due to a knee injury sustained in their practice just two days prior to this game. The Lions started off hot, scoring in the first quarter after a nine-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Chiefs scored 14 points in the second quarter via a one-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes to Rashee Rice and a four-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to Blake Bell, which made the score 14–7 in favor of Kansas City at half-time. The Lions responded with a 50-yard interception return by Brian Branch in the third quarter to tie the game. The Chiefs regained the lead during a 35-yard field goal by Harrison Butker, and scored again in the fourth quarter when Butker hit 39-yard field goal. The Lions scored the final points of the game, an eight-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery, making the final score 21–20 in favor of Detroit. With the upset win, the Lions started the season 1–0 for the first time since 2017. They also won their first game at Arrowhead Stadium since 1988, which, coincidentally, was also won by a mere point.

Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 2: Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234OTTotal
Seahawks701014637
Lions77710031

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 2, for their home opener, the Lions hosted the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks opened the scoring in the first quarter on a Kenneth Walker III run. The Lions responded with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Josh Reynolds to tie the game 7-7. The Lions scored the only points of the second quarter during a 36-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Kalif Raymond, which made the score 14–7 in favor of Detroit at halftime. The Seahawks scored 10 points in the third quarter, a three-yard touchdown run from Walker III, and a 25-yard field goal by Jason Myers. The Lions answered with a four-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery to regain the lead 21–17. The Seahawks came back in the fourth quarter via a three-yard touchdown pass from Geno Smith to Tyler Lockett and a 40-yard interception return by Tre Brown. The Lions responded with a four-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Reynolds and a 38-yard field goal by Riley Patterson as time expired in the game to force overtime 31-31. During overtime, the Seahawks scored a six-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Lockett, making the final score 37–31 in favor of Seattle. With the loss, the Lions fell to 1–1. They once again failed to beat the Seahawks, not having done so since 2012.

Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 3: Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Falcons03036
Lions3100720

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 3, the Lions hosted the Atlanta Falcons. The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 37-yard field goal by Riley Patterson. The Falcons responded with a 48-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo in the second quarter to tie the game 3 to 3. The Lions scored 10 points in the quarter with a 45-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta and a 24-yard field goal by Patterson, which made the score 13–3 in favor of Detroit at half-time. After a scoreless third quarter, the Lions extended their lead in the fourth quarter to 20–3 in a three-yard touchdown run from Goff. The Falcons had the final score of the game, a 24-yard field goal by Koo, making the final score 20–6 in favor of Detroit. With the win, the Lions improved to 2–1.

Week 4: at Green Bay Packers

Week 4: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Lions14130734
Packers308920

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

In week 4, the Lions visited their divisional rival, the Green Bay Packers. The Packers opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 34-yard field goal by Anders Carlson. The Lions scored 14 points via a 34-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown and a three-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery. The Lions scored 13 points in the second quarter via a 33-yard field goal by Riley Patterson, a two-yard touchdown run from Montgomery and a 37-yard field goal by Patterson, which made the score 27–3 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Packers scored the only points of the third quarter via a one-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Love to Christian Watson and a two-point conversion pass from Love to Jayden Reed. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the fourth quarter, first a nine-yard touchdown run from Love for the Packers, then a one-yard touchdown run from Montgomery for the Lions. The Packers scored the final points of the game via a 50-yard field goal by Carlson, making the final score 34–20 in favor of Detroit. With the win, the Lions improved to 3–1 and extended their winning streak against the Packers to four games.

Week 5: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 5: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Panthers01001424
Lions141401442

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 5, the Lions hosted the Carolina Panthers. The Lions scored 14 points in the first quarter via a 42-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery and a four-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta. In the second quarter, the Panthers responded with a one-yard touchdown pass from Bryce Young to Tommy Tremble. The Lions scored 14 points in the quarter via a one-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Josh Reynolds and a 31-yard touchdown pass from Goff to LaPorta. The Panthers scored the final points of the half via a 33-yard field goal by Eddy Piñeiro, which made the score 28–10 in favor of Detroit at half-time. After a scoreless third quarter, the Lions scored 14 points in the fourth quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from Goff and a five-yard touchdown run from Craig Reynolds. The Panthers scored 14 points in the quarter via an 18-yard touchdown pass from Young to D. J. Chark and a one-yard touchdown pass from Young to Adam Thielen, making the final score 42–24 in favor of Detroit. With the win, the Lions improved to 4–1, maintaining their spot at first place in the NFC North. This marked the first time they've won at least four of their first five games since 2011, and the fourth time in 50 seasons. [57]

Week 6: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 6: Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Lions377320
Buccaneers03306

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

In week 6, the Lions visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 30-yard field goal by Riley Patterson. The Buccaneers scored in the second quarter via a 33-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin to tie the game. The Lions responded with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown, which made the score 10–3 in favor of Detroit at half-time. In the third quarter, the Buccaneers scored via a 36-yard field goal by McLaughlin. The Lions extended their lead via a 45-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Jameson Williams. The Lions scored the only points of the fourth quarter via a 36-yard field goal by Patterson, making the final score 20–6 in favor of Detroit. With the win, the Lions improved to 5–1, their first such start since 2011. They are on a 13–3 streak (dating back to last season) for the first time since the 1961–1962 seasons. [58]

Week 7: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 7: Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Lions00066
Ravens14147338

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: October 22
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 62 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 70,989
  • Referee: Brad Rogers
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

In week 7, the Lions visited the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens scored 14 points in the first quarter via a seven-yard touchdown run from Lamar Jackson and a 12-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to Nelson Agholor. The Ravens scored 14 points in the second quarter via an 11-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to Mark Andrews and a two-yard touchdown run from Gus Edwards, which made the score 28–0 in favor of Baltimore at half-time. The Ravens extended their lead in the third quarter via an eight-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to Andrews. The Lions finally got on the board in the fourth quarter via a 21-yard touchdown run from Jahmyr Gibbs. The Ravens scored the final points of the game via a 32-yard field goal by Justin Tucker, making the final score 38–6 in favor of Baltimore. With the loss, the Lions fell to 5–2.

Week 8: vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Week 8: Las Vegas Raiders at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Raiders077014
Lions3137326

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 8, the Lions hosted the Las Vegas Raiders. The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 44-yard field goal by Riley Patterson. The Lions extended their lead in the second quarter via two field goals by Patterson from 31-yards, and 33-yards, respectively. The Raiders scored via a three-yard touchdown run from Josh Jacobs. The Lions scored the final points of the half via an 18-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta, which made the score 16–7 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the third quarter, first a 75-yard interception return by Marcus Peters for the Raiders, then a 27-yard touchdown run from Jahmyr Gibbs for the Lions. The Lions scored the only points of the fourth quarter via a 52-yard field goal by Patterson, making the final score 26–14 in favor of Detroit. With the win, the Lions headed into their bye week at 6–2 atop the NFC North.

Week 10: at Los Angeles Chargers

Week 10: Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Chargers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Lions101471041
Chargers31471438

at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

Game information

Following their bye week, in week 10, the Lions visited the Los Angeles Chargers. The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 33-yard field goal by Riley Patterson. The Chargers responded with a 48-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker to tie the game. The Lions regained the lead via a one-yard touchdown run from Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions scored 14 points in the second quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from Gibbs and a 75-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery. Montgomery's 75-yard run was the longest touchdown run by a Lions player since an 88-yard touchdown run by Jahvid Best in 2011. [59] The Chargers scored 14 points in the quarter via a 29-yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to Keenan Allen and a two-yard touchdown run from Austin Ekeler, which made the score 24–17 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the third quarter, first an 18-yard touchdown pass from Herbert to Jalen Guyton for the Chargers, then a 20-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown for the Lions. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the fourth quarter, first a one-yard touchdown pass from Herbert to Quentin Johnston for the Chargers, then a 25-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Brock Wright for the Lions. The Chargers responded with a 38-yard touchdown pass from Herbert to Allen to tie the game. The Lions scored the final points of the game via a 41-yard field goal by Patterson as time expired, making the final score 41–38 in favor of Detroit. With the win, the Lions improved to 7–2.

Week 11: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 11: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bears7310626
Lions01401731

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: November 19
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 63,873
  • Referee: Scott Novak
  • TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

In week 11, the Lions hosted their divisional rival, the Chicago Bears. The Bears opened the scoring in the first quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from D'Onta Foreman. In the second quarter, the Lions tied the game via a two-yard touchdown run from Jahmyr Gibbs. The Bears responded with a 31-yard field goal by Cairo Santos to regain the lead. The Lions scored the final points of the half via a seven-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown, which made the score 14–10 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Bears scored 10 points in the third quarter via a 53-yard field goal by Santos and a 39-yard touchdown pass from Justin Fields to D. J. Moore. The Bears extended their lead in the fourth quarter via two field goals by Santos from 40-yards, and 39-yards, respectively. The Lions responded with 17 unanswered points in the final three minutes of the quarter. They scored first via a 32-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Jameson Williams. After the defense forced Chicago into a three-and-out, the Lions scored again on a one-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery and a two-point conversion pass from Goff to Sam LaPorta. On the Bears' next possession, a fumble forced by Aidan Hutchinson led to a safety, making the final score 31–26 in favor of Detroit. Detroit won despite the fact that Chicago had a win probability of 98.8% (according to ESPN) with four minutes remaining in the game. [60] [61] With the win, the Lions improved to 8–2 on the season, their best record through the first ten games since 1962. [62]

Week 12: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 12: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Packers2036029
Lions608822

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: November 23
  • Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,476
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

For their annual Thanksgiving Day game, the Lions hosted their divisional rival, the Green Bay Packers, in a rematch of week 4. The Packers scored 20 points in the first quarter via a 10-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Love to Jayden Reed, a nine-yard touchdown pass from Love to Tucker Kraft and a 27-yard fumble return by Jonathan Owens. The Lions scored six points in the quarter via a seven-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta. The Packers scored the only points of the second quarter via a 43-yard field goal by Anders Carlson, which made the score 23–6 in favor of Green Bay at half-time. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the third quarter, first a six-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery and a two-point conversion run by Montgomery for the Lions, then a 16-yard touchdown pass from Love to Christian Watson. The Lions scored the only points of the fourth quarter with 41 seconds remaining in the game via a 12-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Josh Reynolds, and a two-point conversion pass from Goff to LaPorta, making the final score 29–22 in favor of Green Bay. With the upset loss, the Lions fell to 8–3.

Week 13: at New Orleans Saints

Week 13: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Lions2133633
Saints0714728

at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: December 3
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 70,003
  • Referee: Clay Martin
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

In week 13, the Lions visited the New Orleans Saints. The Lions scored 21 points in the first quarter via a two-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery, a 13-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta and a 25-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Saints got on the board in the second quarter via a six-yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr to Jimmy Graham. The Lions scored the final points of the half via a 26-yard field goal by Riley Patterson, which made the score 24–7 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Saints scored 14 points in the third quarter via a two-yard touchdown run from Alvin Kamara and a one-yard touchdown run from Taysom Hill, reducing the Lions' lead to three points. The Lions responded with a 32-yard field goal by Patterson as time expired in the third quarter. The Lions extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a 19-yard touchdown run from Jameson Williams. The Saints scored the final points of the game via a one-yard touchdown run from Kamara, making the final score 33–28 in favor of Detroit. With the win, the Lions improved to 9–3.

Week 14: at Chicago Bears

Week 14: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Lions0130013
Bears1009928

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: December 10
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 36 °F (2 °C)
  • Game attendance: 62,185
  • Referee: Tra Blake
  • TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

In week 14, the Lions visited their divisional rival, the Chicago Bears, in a rematch of week 11. The Bears scored 10 points in the first quarter via a 16-yard touchdown run from D. J. Moore and a 46-yard field goal by Cairo Santos. The Lions scored 13 points in the second quarter via a 12-yard touchdown run from Jahmyr Gibbs and an eight-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Josh Reynolds, which made the score 13–10 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Lions were held scoreless in the second half. The Bears scored nine points in the third quarter via a 25-yard field goal by Santos and a 38-yard touchdown pass from Justin Fields to Moore to regain the lead. The Bears scored nine points in the fourth quarter via an 11-yard touchdown run from Fields and a 28-yard field goal by Santos, making the final score 28–13 in favor of Chicago. With the loss, the Lions dropped to 9–4 on the season.

Week 15: vs. Denver Broncos

Week 15: Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Broncos0010717
Lions02171442

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: December 16
  • Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,560
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (WJBK/NFLN): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

In week 15, the Lions hosted the Denver Broncos. After a scoreless first quarter, the Lions scored 21 points in the second quarter via a 19-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta, a nine-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Jahmyr Gibbs and a 15-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown, which made the score 21–0 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The Broncos scored ten points in the third quarter via a three-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to Lil'Jordan Humphrey and a 23-yard field goal by Wil Lutz. The Lions extended their lead via a three-yard touchdown pass from Goff to LaPorta. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the fourth quarter, first a 12-yard touchdown run from Gibbs for the Lions, then a one-yard touchdown run from Wilson for the Broncos. The Lions scored the final points of the game via a 10-yard touchdown pass from Goff to LaPorta, making the final score 42–17 in favor of Detroit. Goff tied a career-high with five passing touchdowns in the game. [63] With the win, the Lions improved to 10–4 on the season, their first 10 win season since 2014. [64]

Week 16: at Minnesota Vikings

Week 16: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Lions7106730
Vikings777324

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

In week 16, the Lions visited their divisional rival, the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Eve. The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery. The Vikings responded with a two-yard touchdown run from Ty Chandler to tie the game. The Lions scored ten points in the second quarter via a 37-yard field goal by Michael Badgley and a 14-yard touchdown run from Jahmyr Gibbs. The Vikings scored the final points of the half via a 26-yard touchdown pass from Nick Mullens to Justin Jefferson, which made the score 17–14 in favor of Detroit at half-time. In the third quarter, the Vikings took their first lead of the game via a six-yard touchdown pass from Mullens to K. J. Osborn. The Lions responded with a one-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown to regain the lead. The Lions extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a three-yard touchdown run from Gibbs. The Vikings scored the final points of the game via a 26-yard field goal by Greg Joseph, making the final score 30–24 in favor of Detroit. Ifeatu Melifonwu intercepted a Mullens pass at the Lions' five-yard line with 58 seconds remaining in the game that sealed the victory. This was Mullens' fourth interception of the game. [65] With the win, the Lions improved to 11–4 on the season, and won their division for the first time since 1993. [66]

Week 17: at Dallas Cowboys

Week 17: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Lions307919
Cowboys7031020

at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

  • Date: December 30
  • Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST/7:15 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 93,731
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (ESPN/ABC): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Lisa Salters
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

In week 17, the Lions visited the Dallas Cowboys for their final road game of the regular season. The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 41-yard field goal by Michael Badgley. The Cowboys responded with a 92-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to CeeDee Lamb. After a scoreless second quarter, the Cowboys led 7–3 at halftime. The Lions regained the lead in the third quarter via a three-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery. The Cowboys responded with a 51-yard field goal by Brandon Aubrey to tie the game. The Lions opened the scoring in the fourth quarter via a 30-yard field goal by Badgley to regain the lead. The Cowboys scored ten points in the quarter via an eight-yard touchdown pass from Prescott to Brandin Cooks and a 43-yard field goal by Aubrey. A momentum shift occurred when Cowboys tight end Peyton Hendershot tripped Aidan Hutchinson. Getting the ball back, the Lions scored the final points of the game via an 11-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown with 23 seconds left in the game. The Lions then attempted a two-point conversion, as Goff completed a pass to Taylor Decker to take the lead. However, Decker was incorrectly penalized for illegal touching after the referee said he failed to report as an eligible receiver, despite the fact that footage showed that he reported to the referee beforehand. The Lions attempted a two-point conversion again from the seven-yard line with Goff throwing an interception, but the Cowboys were penalized for offsides. On the final two-point conversion attempt, Goff's pass to James Mitchell was incomplete. In a last-ditch effort, the Lions attempted an onside kick but failed to recover the ball, and the Cowboys ran out the clock, securing a 20–19 victory. [67] Following the game, the NFL downgraded Brad Allen's officiating crew out of the playoffs for their performance. [68]

Week 18: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week 18: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings067720
Lions13071030

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: January 7
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 63,233
  • Referee: Brad Rogers
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

To end the regular season, the Lions hosted their divisional rival, the Minnesota Vikings, in a rematch of week 16. The Lions scored 13 points in the first quarter via a two-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta and a three-yard touchdown run from Jahmyr Gibbs. The Vikings scored six points in the second quarter via two field goals by Greg Joseph from 39-yards, and 43-yards, respectively, which made the score 13–6 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the third quarter, first a one-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery for the Lions, then a 38-yard touchdown pass from Nick Mullens to Justin Jefferson for the Vikings. The Lions extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a 70-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Vikings responded with a 42-yard touchdown pass from Mullens to Jordan Addison. The Lions scored the final points of the game via a 39-yard field goal by Michael Badgley. With the win, the Lions improved to 12–5 on the season, tying a single-season franchise record for wins.

Standings

Division

NFC North
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(3) Detroit Lions 1250.7064–28–4461395W1
(7) Green Bay Packers 980.5294–27–5383350W3
Minnesota Vikings 7100.4122–46–6344362L4
Chicago Bears 7100.4122–46–6360379L1

Conference

NFC
#TeamDivisionWLTPCTDIVCONFSOSSOVSTK
Division leaders
1 [a] San Francisco 49ers West1250.7065–110–2.509.475L1
2 [a] [b] Dallas Cowboys East1250.7065–19–3.446.392W2
3 [a] [b] Detroit Lions North1250.7064–28–4.481.436W1
4 [c] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South980.5294–27–5.481.379W1
Wild cards
5 Philadelphia Eagles East1160.6474–27–5.481.476L2
6 Los Angeles Rams West1070.5885–18–4.529.453W4
7 [d] [e] Green Bay Packers North980.5294–27–5.474.458W3
Did not qualify for the postseason
8 [d] [e] Seattle Seahawks West980.5292–47–5.512.392W1
9 [c] [d] New Orleans Saints South980.5294–26–6.433.340W2
10 [f] [g] Minnesota Vikings North7100.4122–46–6.509.454L4
11 [g] [h] Chicago Bears North7100.4122–46–6.464.370L1
12 [f] [h] Atlanta Falcons South7100.4123–34–8.429.462L2
13 New York Giants East6110.3533–35–7.512.353W1
14 [i] Washington Commanders East4130.2350–62–10.512.338L8
15 [i] Arizona Cardinals West4130.2350–63–9.561.588L1
16 Carolina Panthers South2150.1181–51–11.522.500L3
Tiebreakers [j]
  1. 1 2 3 San Francisco finished ahead of Dallas and Detroit based on conference record.
  2. 1 2 Dallas finished ahead of Detroit based on head-to-head victory.
  3. 1 2 Tampa Bay finished ahead of New Orleans based on common record. (Tampa Bay is 8–4 against Minnesota, Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, Atlanta, Carolina, Houston, Tennessee, Jacksonville, and Indianapolis, while New Orleans is 6–6 against the same teams.)
  4. 1 2 3 Green Bay and Seattle finished ahead of New Orleans based on conference record.
  5. 1 2 Green Bay finished ahead of Seattle based on strength of victory, claiming the 7th and final playoff spot.
  6. 1 2 Minnesota finished ahead of Atlanta based on head-to-head victory. Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Chicago (see below).
  7. 1 2 Minnesota finished ahead of Chicago based on common record. (Minnesota is 5–7 against Tampa Bay, Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina, Kansas City, Green Bay, Atlanta, New Orleans, Denver, Las Vegas, and Detroit, while Chicago is 4–8 against the same teams.)
  8. 1 2 Chicago finished ahead of Atlanta based on head-to-head victory.
  9. 1 2 Washington finished ahead of Arizona based on head-to-head victory.
  10. ↑ 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.

Postseason

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan celebrates the Lions' NFC Division Playoffs victory alongside staffers G7I4044 (53485245120) (1).jpg
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan celebrates the Lions' NFC Division Playoffs victory alongside staffers

Schedule

RoundDateOpponent (seed)ResultRecordVenueRecap
Wild Card January 14 Los Angeles Rams (6)W 24–231–0 Ford Field Recap
Divisional January 21 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4)W 31–232–0Ford Field Recap
NFC Championship January 28at San Francisco 49ers (1)L 31–342–1 Levi's Stadium Recap

Game summaries

NFC Wild Card Playoffs: vs. (6) Los Angeles Rams

NFC Wild Card Playoffs: (6) Los Angeles Rams at (3) Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Rams3143323
Lions1473024

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

To start the postseason, the Lions hosted the Los Angeles Rams, in the first ever playoff game at Ford Field. The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery. The Rams responded with a 24-yard field goal by Brett Maher. The Lions extended their lead via a 10-yard touchdown run from Jahmyr Gibbs. The Rams scored 14 points in the second quarter via a 50-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Puka Nacua and a 38-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Tutu Atwell. The Lions responded with a two-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta, which made the score 21–17 in favor of Detroit at half-time. The teams exchanged field goals in the third quarter, first a 54-yard field goal by Michael Badgley for the Lions, then a 24-yard field goal by Maher for the Rams. The Rams scored the only points of the fourth quarter via a 29-yard field goal by Maher. The Lions took possession with 4:07 left in the game and were able to run out the clock, making the final score 24–23 in favor of Detroit. This was the Lions' first playoff victory since January 5, 1992. [69]

NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC Divisional Playoffs: (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at (3) Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Buccaneers377623
Lions3771431

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: January 21, 2024
  • Game time: 3:05 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,201
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (NBC): Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark and Kaylee Hartung
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

In the divisional round, the Lions hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in a rematch of week 6. The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 23-yard field goal by Michael Badgley. The Buccaneers responded with a 43-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin to tie the game. The Lions regained the lead in the second quarter via a nine-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Josh Reynolds. The Buccaneers responded with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to Cade Otton tying the score at 10–10 at half-time. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the third quarter, first a one-yard touchdown run from Craig Reynolds for the Lions, then a 12-yard touchdown pass from Mayfield to Rachaad White for the Buccaneers. The Lions scored 14 points in the fourth quarter via a 31-yard touchdown run from Jahmyr Gibbs and a nine-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Buccaneers responded with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Mayfield to Mike Evans and a failed two-point conversion attempt. The Buccaneers' attempted comeback failed after Mayfield's pass was intercepted by Derrick Barnes with 1:35 remaining in the game, securing the Lions' victory. With the win, the Lions advanced to the NFC Championship game for the second time in franchise history, and the first time since the 1991 season. [70]

NFC Championship: at (1) San Francisco 49ers

NFC Championship: (3) Detroit Lions at (1) San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Lions14100731
49ers07171034

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

  • Date: January 28, 2024
  • Game time: 6:40 p.m. EST/3:40 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 69 °F (21 °C)
  • Game attendance: 71,824
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

In the NFC Championship game, the Lions visited the San Francisco 49ers. The Lions scored 14 points in the first quarter via a 42-yard touchdown run from Jameson Williams and a one-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery. The 49ers responded in the second quarter via a two-yard touchdown run from Christian McCaffrey. The Lions added ten points in the quarter via a 15-yard touchdown run from Jahmyr Gibbs and a 21-yard field goal by Michael Badgley, which made the score 24–7 in favor of Detroit at halftime. The 49ers scored 17 points in the third quarter via a 43-yard field goal by Jake Moody, a six-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy to Brandon Aiyuk and a one-yard touchdown run from McCaffrey to tie the game. The 49ers scored ten points in the fourth quarter via a 33-yard field goal by Moody and a three-yard touchdown run from Elijah Mitchell to take their first lead of the game. The Lions scored the final points of the game via a three-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Williams with 56 seconds remaining in the game. The Lions' attempted comeback failed after they were unable to recover an onside kick. The 49ers then ran out the clock to win, ending the Lions' season. [71]

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References

  1. ↑ Maakaron, John (November 19, 2023). "Lions Have Started NFL Season 8–2 for First Time since 1962". SI.com. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  2. ↑ Ramsey, Jared (December 24, 2023). "Detroit Lions players, fans go wild for first division title in 30 years". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  3. ↑ Meinke, Kyle (December 24, 2023). "Instant observations: Lions win first NFC North crown, bring playoffs to Ford Field". MLive.com . Retrieved December 24, 2023.
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  5. ↑ https://www.espn.com/nfl/attendance/_/year/2023
  6. ↑ "Lions re-sign LB Alex Anzalone to contract extension through the 2025 season". detroitlions.com. March 15, 2023.
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  8. ↑ "Patriots Sign LB Chris Board". patriots.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Seahawks Sign C Evan Brown". seahawks.com. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
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  11. ↑ "Lions re-sign DL Isaiah Buggs". detroitlions.com. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  12. ↑ "Panthers agree to terms with wide receiver DJ Chark". panthers.com. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
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  18. ↑ "Falcons sign cornerback Mike Hughes to two-year deal". atlantafalcons.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
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  20. ↑ "Saints sign former Lions, Notre Dame OL Tommy Kraemer". Saints Wire. August 2, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Lions re-sign S C.J. Moore to contract extension through the 2024 season". detroitlions.com. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Lions re-sign T Matt Nelson". detroitlions.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  23. ↑ Citak, Matt (March 23, 2023). "Former Lions CB Amani Oruwariye joins Giants". Giants.com. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Lions re-sign OL Ross Pierschbacher". detroitlions.com. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  25. ↑ Risdon, Jeff. "Lions tender an offer to LB Anthony Pittman". lionswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  26. ↑ "Cardinals sign Dylan Mabin, Bobby Price". Pro Football Talk. NBCSports.com. June 5, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Lions re-sign RB Craig Reynolds". detroitlions.com. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Colts sign OT Dan Skipper, waive OT Jordan Murray, TE Kaden Smith". Colts.com. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Lions re-sign QB Nate Sudfeld". detroitlions.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  30. ↑ "New Orleans Saints agree to terms on three-year contract with running back Jamaal Williams". neworleanssaints.com. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  31. ↑ "Cardinals Add Linebacker Josh Woods To Roster". azcardinals.com. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  32. 1 2 "Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra re-sign with Lions". NBC Sports. April 17, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Lions sign unrestricted free agent DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson". detroitlions.com. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  34. ↑ "Lions sign unrestricted free agent OL Graham Glasgow". detroitlions.com. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  35. ↑ "Lions sign unrestricted free agent WR Marvin Jones Jr". detroitlions.com. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  36. ↑ "Detroit Lions sign CB Mac McCain". prideofdetroit.com. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  37. ↑ "Lions sign unrestricted free agent LS Jake McQuaide". detroitlions.com. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  38. ↑ "Lions sign unrestricted free agent RB David Montgomery". detroitlions.com. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  39. ↑ "Lions sign unrestricted free agent CB Emmanuel Moseley". detroitlions.com. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  40. ↑ "Lions sign free agent LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin". detroitlions.com. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
  41. 1 2 "Lions sign unrestricted free agent CB Cameron Sutton". detroitlions.com. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  42. ↑ "Lions release DL Michael Brockers". detroitlions.com. February 24, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  43. ↑ "Lions trade former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to Falcons". ESPN.com . April 11, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  44. ↑ "Lions release WR Quintez Cephus and S C.J. Moore". detroitlions.com. April 21, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  45. ↑ Patra, Kevin. "Lions trade RB D'Andre Swift to Eagles after drafting Alabama's Jahmyr Gibbs in Round 1". nfl.com. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  46. ↑ @Lions (August 10, 2023). "#Lions announce roster moves: Sign QB Teddy Bridgewater and RB Benny Snell Waive G Logan Stenberg Place RB Justin Jackson on Reserve/Retired list" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  47. ↑ "Marvin Jones announces he's stepping away from Lions; WR later released by team". NFL.com. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  48. ↑ Birkett, Dave (April 27, 2023). "Detroit Lions stun by picking Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall in NFL draft 2023". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved April 27, 2023.
  49. ↑ Birkett, Dave (April 27, 2023). "Detroit Lions pick Iowa's Jack Campbell, Big Ten's top defender, at No. 18 in NFL draft". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved April 27, 2023.
  50. ↑ Birkett, Dave (April 28, 2023). "Detroit Lions take Iowa TE Sam LaPorta in second round of NFL draft". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  51. ↑ Birkett, Dave (April 28, 2023). "Detroit Lions trade up for Alabama DB Brian Branch in Round 2 of NFL draft 2023". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  52. ↑ Birkett, Dave (April 28, 2023). "Detroit Lions pick Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker in third round of NFL draft 2023". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  53. ↑ Birkett, Dave (April 28, 2023). "Detroit Lions pick Western Kentucky DT Brodric Martin in Round 3 of NFL draft 2023". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  54. ↑ Birkett, Dave (April 29, 2023). "Detroit Lions take OL Colby Sorsdal in 5th round of NFL draft". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  55. ↑ Birkett, Dave (April 29, 2023). "Detroit Lions pick North Carolina WR Antoine Green in 7th round of NFL draft 2023". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  56. ↑ "TWENTYMAN: A closer look at the Lions' undrafted rookie free agents". detroitlions.com. May 12, 2023.
  57. ↑ Ford, Ryan (October 8, 2023). "Detroit Lions start 4–1 (or better) for fourth time in 50 seasons". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  58. ↑ Detroit Lions are atop NFL standings after win over Tampa Bay Buccaneers; fans react Detroit Free Press, October 15, 2023
  59. ↑ Ramsey, Jared (November 12, 2023). "David Montgomery's 75-yard touchdown run longest in 12 years for Detroit Lions". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  60. ↑ "Lions 31–26 Bears (Nov 19, 2023) Final Score". ESPN.com. November 19, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  61. ↑ Wojnowski, Bob (November 19, 2023). "Wojo: Lions defy comeback odds, rise to 8–2 record for first time in 61 years". The Detroit News . Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  62. ↑ Meinke, Kyle (November 19, 2023). "Instant observations: Lions stun Bears, improve to 8–2 for first time since 1962". MLive.com . Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  63. ↑ "Jared Goff throws 5 TD passes as NFC North-leading Detroit Lions bounce back, beat Broncos". cbsnews.com. CBS News. December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  64. ↑ Legwold, Jeff; Woodyard, Eric (December 16, 2023). "Jared Goff erupts for 5 TDs as Lions trounce Broncos". ESPN.com . Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  65. ↑ Woodyard, Eric (December 24, 2023). "Lions end long drought, win 1st division title since '93". ESPN.com . Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  66. ↑ Birkett, Dave (December 24, 2023). "Detroit Lions win NFC North with thrilling 30–24 victory over Minnesota Vikings". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  67. ↑ Ramsey, James (December 31, 2023). "Detroit Lions fans say team was 'screwed' by refs late in 20–19 loss to the Dallas Cowboys". Detroit Free Press . Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  68. ↑ Podell, Garrett (December 31, 2023). "NFL expected to downgrade Brad Allen ref crew for playoffs after Lions-Cowboys questionable calls, per report". CBS Sports. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  69. ↑ Cooper, Mark (January 14, 2024). "How the Lions beat the Rams to snap a 32-year playoff win drought and spoil Matthew Stafford's return". The Athletic . Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  70. ↑ Werner, Barry (January 21, 2024). "Derrick Barnes' interception punches Lions' ticket to San Francisco". USA Today . Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  71. ↑ Rogers, Justin (January 28, 2024). "HEARTBREAK: Lions squander 17-point lead, fall to 49ers in NFC Championship". The Detroit News. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
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