Magic numbers needed to clinch a playoff berth and the win-loss records of opponents aren’t where the Lions have their focus.
The playoff race historically begins in earnest in December, and the Lions start the month with a tough road game against the New Orleans Saints in their bid to remain in first place in the NFC North and claim their first division title since 1993.
It’s an exciting time of the NFL season, with scoreboard-watching and projections of how division rivals might fare at a peak.
The Lions are 7-4 as they come off a mini-break after a 16-13 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Thanksgiving Day.