The 2016 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 87th season in the
National Football League
The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the ...
(NFL), their 83rd as the Detroit Lions, and their third under
head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches. In some sports, the head coach is instead called the "manager", as in assoc ...
Jim Caldwell. This for first time since 2006 when
Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson Jr., (born September 29, 1985) is an American former football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons with the Detroit Lions. He played college football at Georgia Tech, where he twice ...
was not on the opening day roster. On January 8, 2016, the Lions hired
Bob Quinn as general manager. This was also the first season in over 40 years in which the Lions had an official cheerleading squad. The Lions improved upon their 7–9 record from
2015
File:2015 Events Collage new.png, From top left, clockwise: Civil service in remembrance of November 2015 Paris attacks; Germanwings Flight 9525 was purposely crashed into the French Alps; the rubble of residences in Kathmandu following the Apri ...
, and clinched a playoff spot for the first time since
2014
File:2014 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: Stocking up supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the Western African Ebola virus epidemic; Citizens examining the ruins after the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping; Bundles of wat ...
—the Lions finished tied with the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football team based in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) NFC South, South divisio ...
for the last NFC playoff spot, but won the tiebreaker based on their record against common opponents. However, the Lions were defeated by the
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle. The Seahawks compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) West, which they rejoined in 2002 as ...
in the
Wild Card Round
A wild card (also wildcard or wild-card and also known as an at-large berth or at-large bid) is a tournament or playoff berth awarded to an individual or team that fails to qualify in the normal way; for example, by having a high ranking or winnin ...
and extended their playoff losing streak to nine games.
Offseason
Re-signings
Arrivals
Departures
Trades
*On May 9, the Lions traded a conditional seventh-round draft pick in the
2017 NFL draft
The 2017 NFL Draft was the 82nd annual meeting of National Football League (NFL) franchises to select newly eligible American football players. It was held in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27–29, returning to Philadelphia f ...
to the
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East divisio ...
in exchange for linebacker
Jon Bostic
Jonathan Earl Bostic II (born May 5, 1991) is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football at Florida and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Bostic has also been a me ...
.
*On August 29, the Lions traded wide receiver
Jeremy Kerley
Jeremy Dashon Kerley (born November 8, 1988) is a former American football wide receiver and return specialist. He played college football at TCU and was drafted by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft and has also had st ...
to the
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers (also written as the San Francisco Forty-Niners) are a professional American football team based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 49ers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the league's National ...
in exchange for offensive guard
Brandon Thomas Brandon Thomas may refer to:
*Brandon Thomas (playwright) (1848–1914), English actor and playwright who wrote the hit farce, ''Charley's Aunt''
*Brandon Thomas (musician) (born 1980), American rock band singer
*Brandon Thomas (American football), ...
.
*On October 25, the Lions traded linebacker
Kyle Van Noy
Kyle Van Noy (born March 26, 1991) is an American football linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Van Noy played college football at BYU was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Detroi ...
and a seventh-round draft pick in the 2017 NFL draft to the New England Patriots, in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick in 2017.
Draft
Notes
* The Lions traded their original third-round selection (number 77 overall) to the
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The team plays ...
in exchange for the Eagles'
2015
File:2015 Events Collage new.png, From top left, clockwise: Civil service in remembrance of November 2015 Paris attacks; Germanwings Flight 9525 was purposely crashed into the French Alps; the rubble of residences in Kathmandu following the Apri ...
fourth-round selection (number 111 overall).
* The Lions acquired an additional fifth-round selection (number 169 overall) as part of a trade that sent their 2015 first-round selection to the
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football franchise based in Denver. The Broncos compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team is headquart ...
.
* The Lions acquired an additional sixth-round selection (number 202 overall) in a trade that sent
cornerback
A cornerback (CB) is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in gridiron football. Cornerbacks cover receivers most of the time, but also blitz and defend against such offensive running plays as sweeps and reverses. They create tur ...
Mohammed Seisay
Mohammed Seisay (born May 22, 1990) is a former American football cornerback. He played college football at Nebraska Cornhuskers football, Nebraska. Seisay signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2014, and played for the Seat ...
to the
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle. The Seahawks compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) West, which they rejoined in 2002 as ...
.
Final roster
Schedule
Preseason
Regular season
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Postseason
Game summaries
Regular season
Week 1: at Indianapolis Colts
The Lions opened the regular season on the road against the
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. The Colts compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) South division. Since the 2008 ...
, and came away with a close victory. The Lions jumped out to a 14–0 lead before Indianapolis got on the board.
Theo Riddick
Theo Riddick (born May 4, 1991) is a former American football running back of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Notre Dame and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He has a ...
had a 21-yard touchdown run on the Lions' opening drive, and rookie running back
Dwayne Washington scored on a 1-yard run early in the second quarter. The Colts got on the board with a 50-yard
Adam Vinatieri
Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
field goal, but the Lions went up 21–3 on its next possession when
Matthew Stafford
John Matthew Stafford (born February 7, 1988) is an American football quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Georgia, where he was a first-team All-American, and was selected f ...
hit
Eric Ebron
Eric Ebron (born April 10, 1993) is an American football tight end who is a free agent. He played college football at North Carolina, and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has also previously played ...
for a six-yard touchdown pass. Indianapolis closed to 21–10 near the end of the first half after
Andrew Luck
Andrew Austen Luck (born September 12, 1989) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. One of the most highly touted amateur prospects during his c ...
tossed a two-yard touchdown pass to
Donte Moncrief
Donte Rakeem Moncrief (born August 6, 1993) is an former American football wide receiver. He played college football at Ole Miss, and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
High school career
A native ...
. The Colts got within a field goal early in the third quarter with a 19-yard scoring strike from Luck to
Dwayne Allen
Dwayne Lamont Allen (born February 24, 1990) is a former American football tight end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. He played college football at Clemson, where he won the John Mackey Award as a junior, and ...
and a successful 2-point conversion. On Detroit's next drive, Stafford connected with
Ameer Abdullah
Ameer Abdullah (born June 13, 1993) is an American football running back for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He played college football a ...
on an 11-yard touchdown pass to put his team back up, 28–18. The Colts scored the next ten points early in the fourth quarter on a 40-yard Vinatieri field goal and a 16-yard scoring pass from Luck to
Jack Doyle, knotting the game at 28. The Lions regained the lead on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Riddick, but
Matt Prater
Matthew Phillip Prater (born August 10, 1984) is an American football placekicker for
the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Regarded as one of the best long distance kickers in NFL history, he held the NFL record for lon ...
missed the extra point. That allowed Indianapolis to take a 35–34 lead on its next possession, when Luck again connected with Doyle, this time on a six-yard touchdown pass. Detroit got the ball back with 37 seconds left in the game, and on three plays moved into range for Matt Prater's go-ahead 43-yard field goal with four seconds on the clock. The Lions earned a safety on the final play of the game when the Colts were called for an illegal forward pass in the end zone, making the final score 39–35. This was the first time the Lions defeated the Colts since
1997
File:1997 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: The movie set of ''Titanic'', the highest-grossing movie in history at the time; ''Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'', is published; Comet Hale-Bopp passes by Earth and becomes one of t ...
.
Week 2: vs. Tennessee Titans
For their home opener, the Lions hosted the
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division, and play their h ...
. The Lions had led for most of the game, accumulating 12 points in the first half with an end zone tackle of
DeMarco Murray
DeMarco Murray (born February 12, 1988) is an American football coach and former running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. A three-time Pro Bowl selection and one-time first-team All-Pro, he was the NFL Off ...
by Devin Taylor for a safety, a 24-yard touchdown catch by Anquan Boldin from Matthew Stafford, and a 42-yard Matt Prater field goal, while holding the Titans to only a 46-yard field goal by
Ryan Succop
Ryan Barrow Succop ( "suck-up"; born September 19, 1986) is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). Succop played college football at South Carolina and was the 2009 Mr. Irrelevant by ...
before the break. Detroit lost steam after intermission and only managed to score a single 27-yard Prater field goal in the third quarter. After Tennessee gained a 16–15 lead late in the fourth quarter on touchdown passes from
Marcus Mariota
Marcus Ardel Taulauniu Mariota (born October 30, 1993) is an American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted second overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 NFL Draft. Mariota play ...
to
Delanie Walker
Hubert Delanie Walker (born August 12, 1984) is a former American football tight end. He played college football at the Central Missouri State and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
After seven sea ...
and
Andre Johnson
Andre Lamont Johnson (born July 11, 1981) is a former American football wide receiver who played most of his 14-year career with the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Miami, and was drafted by ...
, from 30 and nine-yards respectively, an attempted Detroit comeback failed when Matthew Stafford was picked off by
Perrish Cox
Perrish Eugene Cox (born January 10, 1987) is a former American football cornerback and return specialist. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma State.
Early years ...
in the closing seconds, giving the Lions their first loss of the season. The game was marred by 29 penalties, 17 on the Lions. Detroit had three touchdowns (two on the same drive) called back due to penalties.
Week 3: at Green Bay Packers
The Lions traveled west in week 3 to play their division rival the
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are a professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC North, North division. It ...
. The Packers got on the board first with a 14-yard touchdown pass from
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers (born December 2, 1983) is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). Rodgers began his college football career at Butte College in 2002 before transferring to the ...
to
Davante Adams
Davante Lavell Adams (born December 24, 1992) is an American football wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Fresno State, and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the s ...
. The Lions responded with a 42-yard field goal from Matt Prater. Green Bay accumulated a big lead with two touchdown catches by
Jordy Nelson
Jordy Ray Nelson (born May 31, 1985) is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League for 11 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and the Oakland Raiders. He played college football at Kansas State, where he ...
for eight and later 17 yards, one by
Richard Rodgers II
Richard Christopher Rodgers II (born January 22, 1992) is an American football tight end who is a free agent. He played college football at California and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has also ...
from two-yards, as well as a 36-yard field goal from
Mason Crosby
Mason Walker Crosby (born September 3, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Colorado, and earned unanimous All-American honors. The Packers chos ...
. Detroit made the halftime score 31–10 after Marvin Jones caught a 17-yard touchdown catch from Matthew Stafford. After the break, the Lions attempted a comeback with touchdown catches by Anquan Boldin and Marvin Jones, from two and 45-yards respectively, as well a 50-yard Prater field goal. Despite only allowing a 46-yard Packers field goal in the second half, the Lions came up short, losing 27–34.
Week 4: at Chicago Bears
In week 4, the Lions had their second consecutive divisional road game when they visited the
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago. The Bears compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) North division. The Bears have won nine NF ...
. The Bears got on the board first with a four-yard touchdown pass from
Brian Hoyer
Axel Edward Brian Hoyer (born October 13, 1985) is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Since joining the NFL in 2009 as an undrafted free agent, he has started for seven different ...
to
Eddie Royal
William Edward "Eddie" Royal (born May 21, 1986) is an American former football wide receiver and return specialist . He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia Tech ...
. The Lions responded with a 50-yard field goal from Matt Prater, which made the score 7–3 in favor of the Bears at half-time. The Lions opened the scoring in the second half with a 21-yard field goal from Matt Prater. The Bears responded with a six-yard touchdown pass from Hoyer to
Zach Miller Zach Miller may refer to:
*Zach Miller (tight end, born 1984), NFL tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears
*Zach Miller (tight end, born 1985)
Zachary Joseph Miller (born December 11, 1985) is a former ...
. The Bears extended their lead in the fourth quarter with a 25-yard field goal from
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth (born April 11, 1986) is a former American football placekicker who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at North Carolina and was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undraft ...
. The Lions responded with an 85-yard punt return by
Andre Roberts, and a two-point conversion pass from Matthew Stafford to
Golden Tate
Golden Herman Tate III (born August 2, 1988) is an American baseball player and former football wide receiver who is currently a center fielder for the Port Angeles Lefties of the West Coast League (WCL). He played college football at Notre D ...
. Despite the attempted comeback, the Lions came up short, losing 14–17.
Week 5: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
In week 5, the Lions hosted the
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The team plays ...
to start a three-game home stand. The Lions took a 14–0 lead in the first quarter with a pair of touchdown catches by Theo Riddick, from one and 17 yards out respectively. The Eagles responded in the second quarter with a one-yard touchdown pass from
Carson Wentz
Carson James Wentz (born December 30, 1992) is an American football quarterback for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Wentz played college football at North Dakota State, where he won two consecutive NCAA FCS nat ...
to
Ryan Mathews, cutting the Lions lead to seven points. The Lions added to their lead with a one-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Marvin Jones. The Eagles responded with a 50-yard field goal from
Caleb Sturgis
Caleb James Sturgis (born August 9, 1989) is a former American football placekicker. He played college football at Florida, setting team records for field goals completed in a season and a career, and was recognized as an All-American. He was c ...
, which made the score 21–10 in favor of the Lions at halftime. The Eagles scored 10 points in the third quarter via a one-yard touchdown pass from Wentz to
Josh Huff
Josh Huff (born October 14, 1991) is a professional gridiron football wide receiver who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Huff played college football at Oregon. He also been ...
, and a 33-yard field goal from Sturgis, cutting the Lions lead to one point. The Eagles took their first lead of the game, going up 23–21 in the fourth quarter on a 49-yard field goal from Sturgis. At the 2:34 mark of the final quarter,
Darius Slay
Darius Demetrius Slay Jr. (born January 1, 1991) is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Mississippi State and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the s ...
forced a Ryan Mathews fumble, which the Lions recovered inside Eagles territory. This was Philadelphia's first turnover of the 2016 season. The Lions got into range for a 29-yard Matt Prater field goal, making the score 24–23 with 1:28 left. Darius Slay intercepted a Wentz pass on the Eagles' next play from scrimmage, sealing the Lions victory and giving the Eagles their first loss of the season.
Week 6: vs. Los Angeles Rams
In week 6, the Lions hosted the
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are a professional American football team based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Rams compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) West division. The Rams play ...
. The score seesawed the entire game. The Lions scored first with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Marvin Jones. The Rams tied it up with a 20-yard touchdown pass from
Case Keenum
Casey Austin Keenum (born February 17, 1988) is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Houston, where he became the NCAA's all-time leader in total passing ...
to
Kenny Britt
Kenneth Lawrence Britt (born September 19, 1988) is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football at Rutgers and was drafted by the Tennessee Titans with the 30th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He has also played for ...
, and took the lead in the second quarter with a one-yard touchdown run by Keenum. The Lions tied it back up with a two-yard touchdown catch by
Andre Roberts on fourth down, and stopped the Rams from taking the lead with a goal line stand as time expired in the second quarter, keeping the score tied 14–14 at halftime. After the break, the Lions took the lead back with a four-yard touchdown catch by Anquan Boldin, but the Rams tied it back up with a 15-yard catch by
Lance Kendricks
Lance Ronnie Kendricks (born January 30, 1988) is a former American football tight end. He played college football at Wisconsin, where he was recognized as a consensus All-American. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of t ...
. Los Angeles then retook the lead in the fourth quarter with a nine-yard catch from Britt, but Detroit tied it up again on a 23-yard TD catch by Golden Tate. The Lions took the lead for good with a 34-yard field goal by Matt Prater at the 1:29 mark of the final quarter. Detroit prevented the Rams from getting into range for a game-tying field goal when
Rafael Bush
Rafael Bush (born May 12, 1987) is a former American football safety who played nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at South Carolina State and was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free a ...
intercepted a Keenum pass with just over a minute to play, giving the Lions a 31–28 win and improving their record to 3–3. Golden Tate tallied a career-high 165 yards on eight receptions.
The Lions celebrated the 25th anniversary of their
1991
File:1991 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: Boris Yeltsin, elected as Russia's first president, waves the new flag of Russia after the 1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt, orchestrated by Soviet hardliners; Mount Pinatubo erupts in the Phil ...
NFC Central
The National Football Conference – Northern Division or NFC North is one of the four divisions of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). Nicknamed the "Black and Blue Division" for the rough and tough ri ...
Championship with an on-field reunion of its players at halftime.
Week 7: vs. Washington Redskins
In week 7, the Lions hosted the
Washington Redskins
The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The Commanders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) N ...
. After a scoreless first quarter, each team scored only a field goal in the second quarter: first Detroit's Matt Prater from 43 yards, then Washington's
Dustin Hopkins
Dustin Hopkins (born October 1, 1990) is an American football placekicker for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Florida State and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round ...
from 38 yards, to tie the game at three points apiece at halftime. The only score of the third quarter was a one-yard touchdown run by the Lions'
Zach Zenner
Zachary Zenner (born September 13, 1991) is a former American football running back. He played college football at South Dakota State. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2015. Zenner also played for the New Orleans S ...
. The Lions extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a 27-yard field goal from Prater. The Redskins responded with 14 consecutive points on a pair of touchdowns, first with a one-yard pass from
Kirk Cousins
Kirk Daniel Cousins (born August 19, 1988) is an American football quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Michigan State and was drafted by the team then known as the Washingto ...
to
Robert Kelley, and next on a 19-yard run by Cousins. This give the Redskins their first lead of the game, 17–13, with just over a minute to go. The Lions took the lead back on the next drive, when Matthew Stafford hit Anquan Boldin for an 18-yard TD with 16 seconds left, to win the game, 20–17.
Week 8: at Houston Texans
In week 8, the Lions visited the
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston. The Texans compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division, and play their home ga ...
. After a scoreless first quarter, the Texans took an early lead that they never relinquished with a pair of touchdowns. First,
Brock Osweiler
Brock Alan Osweiler (born November 22, 1990) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. He played college football at Arizona State and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the s ...
connected with
C. J. Fiedorowicz
Colton John "C. J." Fiedorowicz (born October 22, 1991) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at Iowa.
Early years
A native of Johnsbur ...
on a six-yard touchdown pass, then
Lamar Miller
Lamar N. Miller (born April 25, 1991) is an American football running back who is a free agent. He played college football at the University of Miami and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has also pla ...
scored on a one-yard run. The Lions' only score of the first half was a 47-yard field goal from Matt Prater, making the halftime score 14–3. The only score of the third quarter was a 33-yard field goal from Houston's
Nick Novak
Nicholas Ryan Novak (born August 21, 1981) is a former American football placekicker. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Maryland.
Novak has played for the Washington Redskins, A ...
. Detroit responded with a one-yard touchdown catch by Theo Riddick in the fourth quarter, but the Texans went back up by 10 points after a 36-yard Novak field goal. The Lions scored the final points of the game with a 34-yard field goal. Despite the attempted late game comeback, Detroit came up short, losing 20–13 and snapping their three-game winning streak.
Week 9: at Minnesota Vikings
In week 9, the Lions visited their division rival the
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. Founded in 1960 as an expansion ...
. The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 47-yard field goal from Matt Prater. The Vikings responded in the second quarter via a 33-yard field goal from
Blair Walsh
Blair Richard Walsh (born January 8, 1990) is an American football placekicker who is a free agent. Walsh played college football at Georgia and was selected by the Vikings in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
In his first year, Walsh set ...
. Detroit came back with a one-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Boldin, giving them a 10–3 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, the Vikings reduced the Lions lead to one point via a one-yard touchdown pass from
Sam Bradford
Samuel Jacob Bradford (born November 8, 1987) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons, most notably with the St. Louis Rams and Minnesota Vikings. He was also a member of the P ...
to
Kyle Rudolph
Kyle Daniel Rudolph (born November 9, 1989) is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Notre Dame, and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second r ...
, but Walsh missed the extra point kick. The Lions extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a 53-yard field goal from Prater. Minnesota took a three-point lead via a one-yard touchdown run from
Rhett Ellison
Rhett Marshall Ellison (born October 3, 1988) is a former American football tight end and fullback who played seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at USC and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in t ...
with 23 seconds left in the game. Detroit responded with a 58-yard field goal from Prater to tie the score at 16 as time expired, forcing overtime. In the extra session, Detroit scored on its opening possession via a 28-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Tate, where Tate stiff-armed safety
Harrison Smith and then flipped into the end-zone, earning a 22–16 win.
Week 11: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
In week 11 following their bye-week, the Lions hosted the
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division. The team play ...
. The Jaguars opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 27-yard field goal from
Jason Myers
Jason Myers (born May 12, 1991) is an American football placekicker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Marist.
Professional career Arena Football League
In the 2014 season, Myers spent ...
. The Lions' first score came in the second quarter on a 55-yard punt return from
Andre Roberts, but the extra point try by Matt Prater was partially blocked and failed. The Jaguars responded with a three-yard touchdown pass from
Blake Bortles
Robby Blake Bortles (born April 28, 1992) is a former American football
American football (referred to simply as football in the United States and Canada), also known as gridiron, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players on ...
to
Allen Robinson
Allen Bernard Robinson II (born August 24, 1993) is an American football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and pl ...
, but the conversion attempt by Myers also failed. The Lions then scored on a 27-yard field goal from Matt Prater, which tied the score at 9–9 at halftime. The Lions took the lead in the third quarter via a 39-yard interception return from
Rafael Bush
Rafael Bush (born May 12, 1987) is a former American football safety who played nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at South Carolina State and was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free a ...
. The Jaguars responded with 10 points in the third quarter via a 52-yard field goal from Myers, and a three-yard touchdown pass from Bortles to
Marqise Lee
Marqise Lee (born November 25, 1991) is an American football wide receiver who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at USC, where he was the 2012 Bilet ...
, giving them a 19–16 lead. The Lions, trailing for the ninth straight game when entering the fourth quarter, would score the final 10 points of the game. The Lions offense scored its first and only touchdown on a one-yard run from
Eric Ebron
Eric Ebron (born April 10, 1993) is an American football tight end who is a free agent. He played college football at North Carolina, and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has also previously played ...
, and Matt Prater added a 43-yard field goal with 22 seconds left in the game. On the final drive for the Jaguars,
Tavon Wilson
Tavon Wilson (born March 19, 1990) is an American football safety who is a free agent. He played college football at the University of Illinois, and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. With the Patri ...
intercepted a pass from Bortles, sealing the Lions 26–19 victory.
The Lions became the first team in NFL history to have its first ten games of a season all decided by seven or fewer points.
Week 12: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Thanksgiving Day game
For their annual Thanksgiving Day game, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rival the Minnesota Vikings, with both teams coming into the game at 6–4 and the winner gaining first place in the NFC North. The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter via a two-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Anquan Boldin. The Vikings responded with a five-yard touchdown run from
Matt Asiata
Matthew Retinai Asiata (born July 24, 1987) is a former American football running back. He attended Hunter High School and played college football at Utah. Asiata was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. Asiata is tied wit ...
. In the second quarter, the Lions recorded a 29-yard field goal from Matt Prater, which made the score 10–7 in favor of the Lions at halftime. The Vikings again tied the score in the third quarter via a 30-yard field goal from
Kai Forbath
Kai August Forbath (born September 2, 1987) is a former American football placekicker. He played college football at UCLA and was recognized as an All-American and the best college kicker in the country in 2009. Forbath was signed by the Cowboy ...
, and took their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter via a 28-yard field goal from Forbath. The Lions responded with a 48-yard field goal from Prater to tie the game. With 38 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Darius Slay intercepted a pass from
Sam Bradford
Samuel Jacob Bradford (born November 8, 1987) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons, most notably with the St. Louis Rams and Minnesota Vikings. He was also a member of the P ...
. Two plays later, Prater recorded a 40-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Lions a 16–13 win.
The Lions have trailed in the fourth quarter of every game this season, and tied an NFL record for the most fourth quarter comeback wins in a season with seven, set by the
2009 Indianapolis Colts. The Lions extended their own NFL record of games to start a season being decided by seven points or fewer, now standing at eleven.
Week 13: at New Orleans Saints
After their Thanksgiving win, the Lions traveled south to play the
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans. The Saints compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. Since 1975, the te ...
. The Lions opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 27-yard field goal from Matt Prater. Detroit extended their lead in the second quarter via a one-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Theo Riddick. The Saints reduced the Lions lead to seven points via a 40-yard field goal from
Wil Lutz
William “Wil” Lutz (born July 7, 1994) is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Georgia State.
Early life
Lutz was born in Newnan, Georgia. Both his ...
. The two teams exchanged field goals, one from Prater from 29 yards, and one from Lutz from 32 yards, making the score 13–6 in favor of the Lions at halftime. The Lions added two field goals from Prater in the third quarter, from 32 yards and 27 yards out, extending their lead to 19–6. The Saints opened the scoring in the fourth quarter with a one-yard touchdown run from
John Kuhn
John Allen Kuhn (born September 9, 1982) is a former American football fullback. After playing college football for Shippensburg University, he was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005. Kuhn earned a Super Bowl ...
. The Lions responded on the next drive with a 66-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Golden Tate, which was followed by a failed two-point conversion. Matt Prater finished the scoring with a 52-yard field goal, giving the Lions a 28–13 win.
This marked the first game all year in which the Lions never trailed in the fourth quarter, and their first game of 2016 to be decided by more than seven points. The Lions defense held Saints quarterback
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees (; born January 15, 1979) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 20 seasons. A member of the New Orleans Saints for most of his career, Brees is the NFL leader in ...
without a touchdown pass, ending a streak of 60 straight home games in which Brees threw for at least one touchdown. Further, the Lions won a road game following their Thanksgiving Day game for the first time since
1974
Major events in 1974 include the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis and the resignation of United States President Richard Nixon following the Watergate scandal. In the Middle East, the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War determined politics; f ...
, ending a streak of 22 losses in such games. In one stretch during the first half, Matthew Stafford completed 14 consecutive passes, a Lions franchise record.
Week 14: vs. Chicago Bears
In week 14, the Lions returned home for a rematch with division rival the
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago. The Bears compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) North division. The Bears have won nine NF ...
, who defeated the Lions in Chicago in week 4. The Bears opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 38-yard field goal from
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth (born April 11, 1986) is a former American football placekicker who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at North Carolina and was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undraft ...
. The Lions responded with 10 points in the second quarter via a 29-yard field goal from Matt Prater, and a 16-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Anquan Boldin, which made the score 10–3 in favor of the Lions at half-time. The Lions extended their lead in the third quarter via a 54-yard field goal from Prater. The Bears reduced the Lions lead to three points via a 31-yard touchdown pass from
Matt Barkley
Matthew Montgomery Barkley (born September 8, 1990) is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at USC, and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth roun ...
to
Cameron Meredith
Cameron Meredith (born September 21, 1992) is a former American football wide receiver. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He played college football at Illinois State. He also played for the New Orleans Saint ...
. The Bears regained the lead in the fourth quarter via a 24-yard interception return from
Cre'Von LeBlanc
Cre'Von Lashaad "Strap" LeBlanc (born July 25, 1994) is an American football cornerback for the Arlington Renegades of the XFL. He played college football at Florida Atlantic.
Professional career
New England Patriots
After going undrafted i ...
. The Lions responded with a seven-yard touchdown run from Stafford with 3:17 left in the game, giving the Lions a 20–17 lead they held onto for the win, and breaking an NFL record with 8 comebacks in a single season.
With the win, the Lions have won five games in a row for the first time since
2011
File:2011 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: a protester partaking in Occupy Wall Street heralds the beginning of the Occupy movement; protests against Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, who was killed that October; a young man celebrate ...
. The Lions have also held opponents to 20 points or fewer in seven straight games, their longest such streak since
1961
Events January
* January 3
** United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower announces that the United States has severed diplomatic and consular relations with Cuba ( Cuba–United States relations are restored in 2015).
** Aero Flight 311 ...
.
Week 15: at New York Giants
In week 15, the Lions traveled east to play the
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division. ...
. The Giants opened the scoring in the first quarter via a six-yard touchdown pass from
Eli Manning
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son o ...
to
Sterling Shepard
Sterling Clay Shepard (born February 10, 1993) is an American football wide receiver for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Oklahoma. Shepard was drafted by the Giants in the second round of ...
. The two teams exchanged field goals in the second quarter, one from Matt Prater from 48 yards, and one from
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul Gould III (; born December 6, 1982) is an American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played with the Chicago Bears from 2005 to 2015, during which he became the franchise's all ...
from 47 yards, making the score 10–3 in favor of the Giants at halftime. The Lions reduced the lead to four points in the third quarter via a 33-yard field goal from Prater. The Giants extended their lead in fourth quarter with a four-yard touchdown pass from Manning to
Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Cornelious Beckham Jr. (born November 5, 1992), commonly known by his initials OBJ, is an American football wide receiver who is a free agent. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Beckham played college football at LSU and was drafted by the ...
The Lions' attempted comeback failed when Matthew Stafford was picked off by
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Dominique Reshard Rodgers-Cromartie (born April 7, 1986) is a former American football cornerback who played 11 years in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Tennessee State University, and was drafted by the Arizona ...
in the end-zone for a
touchback
In American football, a touchback is a ruling which is made and signaled by an official when the ball becomes dead on or behind a team's own goal line (i.e., in their end zone) and the opposing team gave the ball the momentum, or impetus, to trav ...
with 2:09 left in the game, losing 17–6, and snapping their five-game winning streak.
Week 16: at Dallas Cowboys
In week 16, the Lions flew southwest to play the
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East divisi ...
on ''
Monday Night Football
''ESPN Monday Night Football'' (abbreviated as ''MNF'' and also known as ''ESPN Monday Night Football on ABC'' for simulcasts) is an American live television broadcast of weekly National Football League (NFL) games currently airing on ESPN, AB ...
''. The Cowboys opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 21-yard touchdown pass from
Dak Prescott
Rayne Dakota Prescott (born July 29, 1993) is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Mississippi State, where he twice received first-team All- SEC honors, a ...
to
Brice Butler
Brice Christian Butler (born January 29, 1990) is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played college football at USC and San Diego State.
Early years ...
. The Lions responded with a 7-yard touchdown run from
Zach Zenner
Zachary Zenner (born September 13, 1991) is a former American football running back. He played college football at South Dakota State. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2015. Zenner also played for the New Orleans S ...
. The Cowboys regained the lead via a 55-yard touchdown run from
Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elijah Elliott (born July 22, 1995) is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Ohio State, where he earned second-team All-America honors in 2015. Elli ...
. The Lions scored 14 points in the second quarter via a 1-yard touchdown run from
Matthew Stafford
John Matthew Stafford (born February 7, 1988) is an American football quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Georgia, where he was a first-team All-American, and was selected f ...
and a 5-yard run from Zenner, to take their first lead of the game. The Cowboys responded with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Prescott to
Dez Bryant
Desmond Demond Bryant (born November 4, 1988) is an American football wide receiver who is a free agent. He played college football at Oklahoma State, where he earned All-American honors in 2008. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fir ...
, which tied the score 21–21 at halftime. The Cowboys scored 21 unanswered points in the second half, via a 1-yard touchdown run from Elliott and a 10-yard touchdown pass from Bryant to
Jason Witten
Christopher Jason Witten (born May 6, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 17 seasons, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Univers ...
in the third quarter, and a 19-yard touchdown pass from Prescott to Bryant in the fourth quarter, making the final score 42–21.
The Lions' streak of holding opponents to 20 points or fewer was ended at eight consecutive games.
Week 17: vs. Green Bay Packers
To finish the regular season, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rival the
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are a professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC North, North division. It ...
on ''
Sunday Night Football'', their second consecutive nationally televised, prime-time game. After a scoreless first quarter, the Packers opened the scoring in the second quarter via a seven-yard touchdown pass from
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers (born December 2, 1983) is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). Rodgers began his college football career at Butte College in 2002 before transferring to the ...
to
Aaron Ripkowski. The Lions responded with 14 points via a one-yard touchdown run from
Zach Zenner
Zachary Zenner (born September 13, 1991) is a former American football running back. He played college football at South Dakota State. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2015. Zenner also played for the New Orleans S ...
and a three-yard touchdown pass from
Matthew Stafford
John Matthew Stafford (born February 7, 1988) is an American football quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Georgia, where he was a first-team All-American, and was selected f ...
to
Golden Tate
Golden Herman Tate III (born August 2, 1988) is an American baseball player and former football wide receiver who is currently a center fielder for the Port Angeles Lefties of the West Coast League (WCL). He played college football at Notre D ...
. The Packers reduced the Lions lead to four points via a 53-yard field goal from
Mason Crosby
Mason Walker Crosby (born September 3, 1984) is an American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Colorado, and earned unanimous All-American honors. The Packers chos ...
, which made the score 14–10 in favor of the Lions at half-time. The Packers regained the lead in the third quarter via a three-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to
Davante Adams
Davante Lavell Adams (born December 24, 1992) is an American football wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Fresno State, and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the s ...
, and increased it in the fourth quarter via a 10-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to
Geronimo Allison, and a nine-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Adams. The Lions responded with a 54-yard field goal from
Matt Prater
Matthew Phillip Prater (born August 10, 1984) is an American football placekicker for
the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Regarded as one of the best long distance kickers in NFL history, he held the NFL record for lon ...
and a 35-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to
Anquan Boldin
Anquan Kenmile Boldin Sr. (; born October 3, 1980) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Florida State University and was drafted by the Arizona Ca ...
but came up short, losing 24–31. With the loss, Green Bay won the
NFC North
The National Football Conference – Northern Division or NFC North is one of the four divisions of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). Nicknamed the "Black and Blue Division" for the rough and tough ri ...
division title, but Detroit won a
wildcard
Wild card most commonly refers to:
* Wild card (cards), a playing card that substitutes for any other card in card games
* Wild card (sports), a tournament or playoff place awarded to an individual or team that has not qualified through normal pla ...
spot, thanks to Washington's loss to the Giants earlier in the day.
Postseason
NFC Wild Card Playoffs: at (3) Seattle Seahawks
After a scoreless first quarter, the Seahawks opened the scoring in the second quarter via a two-yard touchdown pass from
Russell Wilson
Russell Carrington Wilson (born November 29, 1988) is an American football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played his first 10 seasons for the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson is widely regarded ...
to
Paul Richardson. The Seahawks extended their lead via a 43-yard field goal from
Steven Hauschka
Stephen Theodore Hauschka (born June 29, 1985) is a former American football placekicker. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Middlebury College and North Carolina State.
Hausc ...
. The Lions responded with a 51-yard field goal from Matt Prater, which made the score 10–3 in favor of the Seahawks at half-time. The Lions reduced the Seahawks' lead to four points in the third quarter via a 53-yard field goal from Prater. The Seahawks scored 16 points in the fourth quarter via a 27-yard field goal from Hauschka, a four-yard touchdown run from
Thomas Rawls
Thomas Tyrell Rawls (born August 3, 1993) is a former American football running back. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He played college football at Michigan and Central Michigan. Rawls currently holds th ...
, and a 13-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to
Doug Baldwin
Douglas Dewayne Baldwin Jr. (born September 21, 1988) is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football at Stanford and was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2011. Baldwin is the Seahawks thi ...
, making the final score 26–6 in favor of Seattle, and ending the Lions' season. The loss marked the Lions' ninth consecutive playoff game without a win, the
longest streak in NFL history.
Standings
Division
Conference
Staff
References
External links
*
{{2016 NFL season by team
Detroit
Detroit ( , ; , ) is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also the largest U.S. city on the United States–Canada border, and the seat of government of Wayne County. The City of Detroit had a population of 639,111 at th ...
Detroit Lions seasons
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit. The Lions compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) North Division. The team play their home games at Ford ...