The Detroit Lions entered the Week 16 game off a loss to the Buffalo Bills, but they clearly did not let it linger, as head coach Dan Campbell’s squad took care of business versus the Chicago Bears on Sunday, winning 34-17.
Detroit got off to a fast start on offense, dropping 27 points on the Bears over the first two quarters of play. And, as we suspected, that was just too much for Chicago’s offense to overcome and the Lions cruised from there.
Detroit’s offensive explosion also led to the Lions breaking multiple of franchise records, including the most touchdowns and points scored in a single season, as well as the most wins (13).
With the victory, the Lions improved to 13-2 on the season and will maintain their lead in the NFC North for at least another week. Here’s a look at the updated division standings after the late afternoon slate on Sunday.
NFC North standings
1. Detroit Lions (13-2)
2. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
3. Green Bay Packers (10-4) – Play on Monday night
4. Chicago Bears (4-11)
Because the Lions beat the Vikings earlier in the season and currently hold the head-to-head tiebreaker, Detroit will keep its spot atop the division after the Vikings defeated the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
If the Vikings lose in Week 17 to the Packers, the Lions would have an opportunity to wrap up the division if they beat the San Francisco 49ers next Monday.
Of course, the Lions and Vikings meet in Week 18 and there remains a chance that matchup will be for the division if both teams win next week. The game will be on Detroit’s home turf.
While the division is not decided yet, the important thing is the Lions control their own destiny, which is about all they can ask for with how ridiculously competitive the NFC North has been this season.
The Lions also control their own destiny for the No. 1 seed in the NFC, which would give them a much-needed first-round bye and an extra week to possibly get back one or more of their many injured players.
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