The Lions are wanting ahead to probably taking part in for the playoffs

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) – Dan Campbell smiled lots after he was employed as a coach The Detroit Lions About two years in the past, he began speaking about his gamers being so powerful and resilient that they may do it. chew the knee caps.

Campbell made some jokes when Detroit received simply three video games final 12 months and began 1-6 this season.

Nobody is laughing at him or the Lions anymore.

The 46-year-old former NFL operating again has led the Lions to seven wins in 9 video games to enter playoff rivalry with one recreation remaining within the common season.

Detroit will play Inexperienced Bay Sunday night time in an 8-8 matchup with lots at stake for a minimum of one of many NFC North groups.

To earn a spot within the postseason for the primary time since 2016, the Lions must win at Lambeau Area and have the luck of the Baker Mayfield-led Los Angeles Rams beating or tying Seattle earlier within the day.

When Campbell addresses the gamers this week, he is not going to inform them it is simply one other recreation or ignore the implications.

“We inform them greatness,” he stated Monday. “That is huge, and it will be enjoyable, and let’s go. I imply the depth is up now.

“It is a playoff recreation and so they’ll comprehend it.”

If the Packers win, they are going to be within the playoffs for the fourth straight 12 months and the twelfth time within the 15 years since Aaron Rodgers turned their beginning quarterback. Inexperienced Bay is favored by 4 1/2 factors in accordance with FanDuel Sportsbook:.

The Lions will solely be taking part in for satisfaction and potential momentum into subsequent season if the Seahawks beat Los Angeles, however Campbell refuses to purchase into the dropping state of affairs for them.

“Both we’re taking part in to get in or we’re taking part in to be a spoiler and that is it,” Campbell stated. “So anyway, we win.”

WHAT WORKS?

The Lions are averaging an NFL-leading 27 factors and set a franchise report for the eighth recreation with 30-plus factors. 41-10 win over Chicago Sunday.

Detroit threw for 4,000 yards and rushed for two,000 for the primary time in franchise historical past.

The Lions rushed for 265 yards in opposition to the Bears, their highest complete on the bottom since 1991.

Jared Goff had 10 assists within the first half in opposition to the Bears.

“There’s actually nobody like this man,” he stated. “It is not likely like forcing one man to hold the ball or something. It is simply whoever’s open will get the ball.”

WHAT HELP IS NEEDED?

Detroit would not get the ball after ready patiently for rookie Jameson Williams to return from knee surgical procedure. He had a 40-yard punt return in opposition to the Bears in a win over Minnesota final month and a 41-yard landing return final month, his solely landing in 5 video games.

TO DEMAND

Jamaal Williams had 144 yards speeding, together with a career-best 58-yarder on Sunday. Williams additionally had his fifteenth speeding landing to tie him for considered one of Barry Sanders’ franchise information set in 1991. The previous Packer had rushed for simply 116 yards within the earlier 4 video games.

REQUIRED

Jeff Okuda had 44 snaps in opposition to Chicago final recreation, the place he sat for many of the second half.

HE’S HURT

Beginning security Deshaun Elliott, who has missed two straight video games, will take a look at his shoulder this week to return to the lineup in opposition to the Packers.

KEY NUMBER:

8 — That is the variety of video games Goff has performed because the Nov. 6 layoff. 15-9 win Over Inexperienced Bay.

NEXT STEPS

It is as much as defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to determine methods to decelerate Rodgers once more after his three interceptions within the first assembly at Ford Area.

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