The Detroit Lions, sitting at 8–5 as they prepare for their December 14 matchup against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, are in the middle of a tight postseason race. But instead of focusing solely on the playoff push, the team is dealing with some unwanted attention from the league office.
On Saturday, December 6, the NFL released its list of disciplinary actions stemming from Week 13, and two Detroit players were among those penalized for incidents in the Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers.
Meanwhile, the Packers remain the NFC North team with the strongest statistical chance to reach the postseason heading into Week 14, despite the Chicago Bears holding the division lead. NFL Research numbers show Green Bay with an 88% playoff probability, which would rise to 95% with a victory over Chicago. The Bears sit at 74%, but a win over the Packers would bump that figure to 90%. Detroit sits at 54% after defeating Dallas, while the Vikings are already eliminated from postseason contention.
Fines for Two Lions Players
Each week, the league issues monetary penalties for rule violations from the previous slate of games. According to the NFL, these fines are intended to minimize unnecessary hazards, maintain fairness, and reinforce competitive integrity. The league and the NFLPA agree on the fine schedule prior to each season.
This week, wide receiver Jameson Williams and linebacker Jack Campbell were hit with fines.
Jameson Williams received a $17,389 fine for unnecessary roughness, categorized as taunting, during a play that occurred with 13:34 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Jack Campbell was penalized $11,593 for unnecessary roughness tied to a facemask infraction, which happened with 2:42 left in the third quarter.
Although costly, their penalties weren’t the steepest of the week. Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco was hit with the largest fine: $46,371 for unnecessary roughness and using the helmet on a play early in the third quarter.
All fine money is distributed to charitable efforts, including the Professional Athletes Foundation, which assists former players in need, and the NFL Foundation, which funds safety, health, and wellness initiatives across all levels of the sport—from youth football to community programs.
Campbell Reacts to Lions’ Recent Win
Following Detroit’s Thursday night victory over the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Dan Campbell praised his team’s resilience while noting there’s plenty the Lions still need to tighten up.
“Was it perfect? No,” Campbell admitted. “We still had mistakes. We had penalties and some errors from younger guys that we’ve got to fix, like false starts.”
He added, “But we fought through a lot, and that’s who this team is. I’m proud of them.”
