Conference: NFC
## Division: NFC East
Eagles 8-4
Cowboys 6-5
Commanders 3-8
Giants 2-10
## Division: NFC South
Buccaneers 6-5
Panthers 6-6
Falcons 4-7
Saints 2-9
## Division: NFC West
Rams 9-2
Seahawks 8-3
49ers 8-4
Cardinals 3-8
## Division: NFC North
Bears 9-3
Packers 8-3
Lions 7-5
Vikings 4-7
# Conference: AFC
## Division: AFC West
Broncos 9-2
Chargers 7-4
Chiefs 6-6
Raiders 2-9
## Division: AFC East
Patriots 10-2
Bills 7-4
Dolphins 4-7
Jets 2-9
## Division: AFC South
Colts 8-3
Jaguars 7-4
Texans 6-5
Titans 1-10
## Division: AFC North
Steelers 6-5
Ravens 6-6
Bengals 4-8
Browns 3-8Here’s a rephrased, detailed rundown of the story about Detroit Lions being “lucky” to remain above .500 after a rough stretch — in fresh prose.
—
Coming off a strong 5–2 start, the Detroit Lions have hit a rough patch: over their last five games, they’ve dropped three, nearly blowing a home game against the New York Giants — escaping only because of a 59-yard field goal.
In their latest outing, the Lions fell 31–24 to the Green Bay Packers. The loss was marred by uncharacteristic sloppiness: a pair of penalties — one for the offense having too few men on the line, another for the defense having 12 men on the field. On top of that, a trick play from coach Dan Campbell backfired badly when quarterback Jared Goff mishandled a long lateral from running back David Montgomery.
Still, despite the mess, Goff was far from putrid. He rebounded after an early three-incompletion start to finish 20 of 26 for 256 yards and two touchdowns. He even scrambled for a 24-yard run — the second-longest rush in his career — showing flashes of fight despite the pressure and sacks.
On the downside, Detroit’s running game stalled: after a record-setting 264 scrimmage yards the previous week by running back Jahmyr Gibbs, he was held to 86 yards on Thanksgiving.
At 7–5, the Lions sit two games behind division-leader Chicago Bears and trailing the Packers by a game and a half.
Coach Campbell didn’t sugarcoat it: “It sucks to put ourselves into a hole like this … we’re the only ones who are going to get ourselves out of it.” He emphasized that while the team needs help, the first step is simple — they must start winning the games in front of them.
Looking ahead, Detroit faces a tough stretch: upcoming games against Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and more. With a 1–3 record so far inside the NFC North, the margin for error is shrinking fast if they hope to clinch a third straight division crown.
In short: the Lions remain above .500 — but it’s fair to say they’ve been fortunate to stay there given their recent inconsistencies. Their upcoming slate could well determine whether they stay in contention or slip away.
