2016 Detroit Lions season

2016 Detroit Lions season
Head coach Jim Caldwell
General manager Bob Quinn
Owner Martha Firestone Ford
Home field Ford Field
Results
Record 7–4
Division place 1st NFC North

The 2016 Detroit Lions season is the franchise's 87th season in the National Football League, their 83rd as the Detroit Lions and the third under head coach Jim Caldwell. On January 8, 2016, the Lions hired Bob Quinn as general manager.[1] This is the first season in over 40 years in which the Lions have a cheerleading squad.[2]

Offseason

Re-signings

Date Player Position Contract Source
March 4 Tyrunn Walker Defensive tackle 1 year / $1.6 million [3]
March 9 Haloti Ngata Defensive tackle 2 years / $12 million [4]
March 11 Crezdon Butler Cornerback 1 year / $745,000 [5]
Don Muhlbach Long snapper 1 year / $1.05 million [6]
Dan Orlovsky Quarterback 1 year / $1.065 million [7]
Tahir Whitehead Linebacker 2 years / $8 million [8]
March 16 Tim Wright Tight end 1 year / $675,000 [9]
October 25 Josh Bynes Linebacker 1 year / $760,000 [10]

Arrivals

Date Player Position Previous team Contract Source
February 11 Jerry Franklin Linebacker New Orleans Saints 1 year / $675,000 [11]
February 12 Lamar Holmes Offensive tackle Atlanta Falcons 1 year / $760,000 [12]
March 10 Tavon Wilson Safety New England Patriots 2 years / $2.2 million [13]
March 11 Johnson Bademosi Cornerback Cleveland Browns 2 years / $4.5 million [14]
Stefan Charles Defensive tackle Buffalo Bills 1 year / $1.75 million [15]
Marvin Jones Wide receiver Cincinnati Bengals 5 years / $40 million [16]
March 12 Rafael Bush Safety New Orleans Saints 1 year / $1.5 million [17]
March 21 Jeremy Kerley Wide receiver New York Jets 1 year / $850,000 [18]
March 29 Darrin Walls Cornerback New York Jets 1 year / $840,000 [19]
March 30 Geoff Schwartz Guard New York Giants 1 year / $840,000 [20]
April 4 Wallace Gilberry Defensive end Cincinnati Bengals 1 year / $1.25 million [21]
Matthew Mulligan Tight end Buffalo Bills 1 year / $885,000
April 5 Stevan Ridley Running back New York Jets 1 year / $840,000 [22]
April 25 Kyle Christy Punter Florida 1 year / – [23]
May 2 Zaviar Gooden Linebacker Tennessee Titans 1 year / $600,000 [24]
May 5 Andre Caldwell Wide receiver Denver Broncos 1 year / $885,000 [25]
May 6 Adairius Barnes Cornerback Louisiana Tech
Undrafted FA
 [26]
Jace Billingsley Wide receiver Eastern Oregon
Quinshad Davis Wide receiver North Carolina
James DeLoach Defensive end Georgia
Chase Farris Guard Ohio State
Adam Fuehne Tight end Southern Illinois
Deonte Gibson Defensive end Northwestern
Jay Lee Wide receiver Baylor
Charles Washington Defensive back Fresno State
Ian Wells Cornerback Ohio
Cole Wick Tight end Incarnate Word
Andrew Zeller Guard Maryland
Joe Dahl Guard Washington State 4 years / $2.58 million [27]
Taylor Decker Tackle Ohio State 4 years / $10.96 million
Graham Glasgow Center Michigan 4 years / $3.032 million
Miles Killebrew Safety Southern Utah 4 years / $2.918 million
Jimmy Landes Long snapper Baylor 4 years / $2.44 million
Jake Rudock Quarterback Michigan 4 years / $2.47 million
Dwayne Washington Running back Washington 4 years / $2.415 million
Antwione Williams Linebacker Georgia Southern 4 years / $2.54 million
Anthony Zettel Defensive tackle Penn State 4 years / $2.46 million
May 10 A'Shawn Robinson Defensive tackle Alabama 4 years / $5.233 million [28]
May 13 Louis Palmer Defensive end Central Michigan 3 years / $1.62 million [29]
May 31 Ben McCord Tight end Central Michigan 1 year / $450,000 [30]
June 1 Dominick Jackson Offensive lineman Alabama 1 year / – [31]
June 2 Devon Bell Placekicker Mississippi State 1 year / $450,000 [32]
June 7 Damian Copeland Wide receiver Jacksonville Jaguars 1 year / $450,000 [33]
June 13 Keith Lewis Defensive back Kansas City Chiefs 1 year / $450,000 [34]
Andre Roberts Wide receiver Washington Redskins 1 year / $760,000
June 16 Orson Charles Tight end New Orleans Saints 1 year / $600,000 [35]
July 21 Luke Marquardt Tackle New York Jets 1 year / $450,000 [36]
July 28 Anquan Boldin Wide receiver San Francisco 49ers 1 year / $2.75 million [37]
August 1 Raphael Kirby Linebacker Miami 1 year / – [38]
August 5 Chi Chi Ariguzo Linebacker San Diego Chargers 1 year / $475,000 [39]
August 8 Alex Chisum Wide receiver Cincinnati 1 year / – [40]
August 10 Rashaad Reynolds Cornerback Jacksonville Jaguars 1 year / – [41]
August 15 Andrew Quarless Tight end Green Bay Packers 1 year / $760,000 [42]
Dominique Tovell Linebacker Atlanta Falcons 3 years / $1.62 million
August 17 Lemuel Jeanpierre Center Seattle Seahawks 1 year / $760,000 [43]
August 23 Brandon McGee Cornerback Dallas Cowboys 1 year / – [44]
September 21 Aaron Dobson Wide receiver New England Patriots 1 year / – [45]
October 11 Justin Forsett Running back Baltimore Ravens 1 year / $885,000 [46]

Departures

Date Player Position Note New Team Source
February 16 Joique Bell Running back Released Chicago Bears [47]
Rashean Mathis Cornerback Retired N/A [48]
February 19 C. J. Wilson Defensive tackle Released New Orleans Saints [49]
March 8 Calvin Johnson Wide receiver Retired N/A [50]
May 5 Darren Keyton Center Released [51]
May 13 Lamar Holmes Offensive tackle Released [52]
July 5 Stephen Tulloch Linebacker Released Philadelphia Eagles [53]
August 22 Andre Caldwell Wide receiver Released [54]
August 25 Stevan Ridley Running back Released Indianapolis Colts [55]

Trades

Draft

Main article: 2016 NFL draft
2016 Detroit Lions draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 16 Taylor Decker  OT Ohio State
2 46 A'Shawn Robinson  DT Alabama
3 95 Graham Glasgow  C Michigan Compensatory
4 111 Miles Killebrew  S Southern Utah
5 151 Joe Dahl  OG Washington State
5 169 Antwione Williams  LB Georgia Southern Pick from DEN
6 191 Jake Rudock  QB Michigan
6 202 Anthony Zettel  DT Penn State Pick from SEA
6 210 Jimmy Landes  LS Baylor Compensatory
7 236 Dwayne Washington  RB Washington
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career
Notes

Current roster

Detroit Lions roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists

Practice squad

Rookies in italics
Roster updated December 3, 2016
Depth Chart • Transactions
53 Active, 8 Inactive, 10 Practice Squad

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Schedule

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 12 at Pittsburgh Steelers W 30–17 1–0 Heinz Field Recap
2 August 18 Cincinnati Bengals L 14–30 1–1 Ford Field Recap
3 August 27 at Baltimore Ravens L 9–30 1–2 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
4 September 1 Buffalo Bills W 31–0 2–2 Ford Field Recap

Regular season

Week Date Kickoff (ET) Opponent Result Record Game site TV NFL.com
recap
1 September 11 4:25 p.m. at Indianapolis Colts W 39–35 1–0 Lucas Oil Stadium Fox Recap
2 September 18 1:00 p.m. Tennessee Titans L 15–16 1–1 Ford Field CBS Recap
3 September 25 1:00 p.m. at Green Bay Packers L 27–34 1–2 Lambeau Field Fox Recap
4 October 2 1:00 p.m. at Chicago Bears L 14–17 1–3 Soldier Field Fox Recap
5 October 9 1:00 p.m. Philadelphia Eagles W 24–23 2–3 Ford Field Fox Recap
6 October 16 1:00 p.m. Los Angeles Rams W 31–28 3–3 Ford Field Fox Recap
7 October 23 1:00 p.m. Washington Redskins W 20–17 4–3 Ford Field Fox Recap
8 October 30 1:00 p.m. at Houston Texans L 13–20 4–4 NRG Stadium Fox Recap
9 November 6 1:00 p.m. at Minnesota Vikings W 22–16 (OT) 5–4 U.S. Bank Stadium Fox Recap
10 Bye
11 November 20 1:00 p.m. Jacksonville Jaguars W 26–19 6–4 Ford Field CBS Recap
12 November 24 12:30 p.m. Minnesota Vikings W 16–13 7–4 Ford Field CBS Recap
13 December 4 1:00 p.m. at New Orleans Saints Mercedes-Benz Superdome Fox
14 December 11 1:00 p.m. Chicago Bears Ford Field CBS
15 December 18 1:00 p.m. at New York Giants MetLife Stadium Fox
16 December 26 8:30 p.m. at Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium ESPN †
17 January 1 1:00 p.m. Green Bay Packers Ford Field Fox
Notes

Game summaries

Week 1: at Indianapolis Colts

Week One: Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 7 14 71139
Colts 0 10 81735

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter
  • DET - Theo Riddick 21 yard run. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:23. Lions 7–0.
Second quarter
  • DET - Dwayne Washington 1 yard run. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 15 plays, 82 yards, 7:00. Lions 14–0.
  • IND - Adam Vinatieri 50 yard field goal. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 4:21. Lions 14–3.
  • DET - Eric Ebron 6 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:13. Lions 21–3.
  • IND - Donte Moncrief 2 yard pass from Andrew Luck. Adam Vinatieri kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 1:32. Lions 21–10.
Third quarter
  • IND - Dwayne Allen 19 yard pass from Andrew Luck. Dwayne Allen pass from Andrew Luck two-point conversion is good. Drive: 9 plays, 85 yards, 4:00. Lions 21–18.
  • DET - Ameer Abdullah 11 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 3:36. Lions 28–18.
Fourth quarter
  • IND - Adam Vinatieri 40 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 3:03. Lions 28–21.
  • IND - Jack Doyle 16 yard pass from Andrew Luck. Adam Vinatieri kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 94 yards, 4:19. Tied 28–28.
  • DET - Theo Riddick 13 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is no good. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:15. Lions 34–28.
  • IND - Jack Doyle 6 yard pass from Andrew Luck. Adam Vinatieri kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:27. Colts 35–34.
  • DET - Matt Prater 43 yard field goal is good. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 0:33. Lions 37–35.
  • DET - Penalty on T. Y. Hilton enforced in end zone for a safety. Lions 39–35.
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 31/39, 340 yards, 3 TDs
  • IND – Andrew Luck - 31/47, 385 yards, 4 TDs
Top rushers
  • DET – Ameer Abdullah - 12 carries, 63 yards
  • IND – Frank Gore - 14 carries, 59 yards
Top receivers
  • DET – Marvin Jones - 4 receptions, 85 yards
  • IND – Phillip Dorsett - 4 receptions, 94 yards
Top tacklers
  • DET – Tahir Whitehead - 6 tackles, 4 assists
  • IND – Sio Moore - 10 tackles, 3 assists

The Detroit Lions opened their 2016 season on the road against the Indianapolis Colts, and came away with a close victory. The Lions jumped out to a 14–0 lead before Indianapolis got on the board. Theo Riddick 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 field goal, but the Lions went up 21–3 on its next possession when Matthew Stafford hit Eric Ebron for a six-yard touchdown pass. Indianapolis closed to 21–10 near the end of the first half after Andrew Luck tossed a two-yard touchdown pass to Donte Moncrief. The Colts got within a field goal early in the third quarter with a 19-yard scoring strike from Luck to Dwayne Allen and a successful 2-point conversion. On Detroit's next drive, Stafford connected with Ameer Abdullah 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 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.

Week 2: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week Two: Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Titans 0 3 01316
Lions 9 3 3015

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter
  • DET - DeMarco Murray tackled in the end zone by Devin Taylor for a safety. Lions 2–0.
  • DET - Anquan Boldin 24 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 3:01. Lions 9–0.
Second quarter
  • TEN - Ryan Succop 46 yard field goal is good. Drive: 14 plays, 47 yards, 7:12. Lions 9–3.
  • DET - Matt Prater 42 yard field goal is good. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 3:58. Lions 12–3.
Third quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 27 yard field goal is good. Drive: 14 plays, 63 yards, 7:10. Lions 15–3.
Fourth quarter
  • TEN - Delanie Walker 30 yard pass from Marcus Mariota. Ryan Succop kick is good. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:46. Lions 15–10.
  • TEN - Andre Johnson 9 yard pass from Marcus Mariota. Two-point conversion attempt is no good. Drive: 13 plays, 83 yards, 5:51. Titans 16–15.
Top passers
  • TEN – Marcus Mariota - 25/33, 238 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 22/40, 260 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • TEN – DeMarco Murray - 12 carries, 89 yards
  • DET – Ameer Abdullah - 6 carries, 38 yards
Top receivers
  • TEN – Delanie Walker - 6 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD
  • DET – Marvin Jones - 8 receptions, 118 yards
Top tacklers
  • TEN – Jason McCourty - 6 tackles
  • DET – Tahir Whitehead - 7 tackles, 3 assists

For their home opener, the Lions hosted the Tennessee Titans. The Lions had lead for most of the game, accumulating 12 points in the first half with an end zone tackle of DeMarco Murray 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 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 to Delanie Walker and Andre Johnson, from 30 and nine-yards respectively, an attempted Detroit comeback failed when Matthew Stafford was picked off by Perrish Cox 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.[62]

Week 3: at Green Bay Packers

Week Three: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 3 7 71027
Packers 14 17 3034

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

First quarter
  • GB - Davante Adams 14 yard pass from Aaron Rodgers. Mason Crosby kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:38. Packers 7–0.
  • DET - Matt Prater 42 yard field goal. Drive: 15 plays, 52 yards, 8:37. Packers 7–3.
  • GB - Jordy Nelson 8 yard pass from Aaron Rodgers. Mason Crosby kick is good. Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards, 1:44. Packers 14–3.
Second quarter
  • GB - Richard Rodgers 2 yard pass from Aaron Rodgers. Mason Crosby kick is good. Drive: 2 plays, 67 yards, 0:47. Packers 21–3.
  • GB - Mason Crosby 36 yard field goal. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:59. Packers 24–3.
  • GB - Jordy Nelson 17 yard pass from Aaron Rodgers. Mason Crosby kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:53. Packers 31–3.
  • DET - Marvin Jones 17 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:38. Packers 31–10.
Third quarter
  • DET - Anquan Boldin 2 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 6:37. Packers 31–17.
  • GB - Mason Crosby 46 yard field goal. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 5:09. Packers 34–17.
Fourth quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 50 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 5:42. Packers 34–20.
  • DET - Marvin Jones 35 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 1:31. Packers 34–27.
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 28/41, 385 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
  • GB – Aaron Rodgers - 15/24, 205 yards, 4 TDs
Top rushers
  • DET – Dwayne Washington - 10 carries, 38 yards
  • GB – Eddie Lacy - 17 carries, 103 yards
Top receivers
  • DET – Marvin Jones - 6 receptions, 205 yards
  • GB – Jordy Nelson - 6 receptions, 101 yards
Top tacklers
  • DET – Darius Slay - 4 tackles
  • GB – Micah Hyde - 8 tackles, 3 assists

The Lions traveled west in week 3 to play their division rival the Green Bay Packers. The Packers got on the board first with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Davante Adams. 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 for eight and later 17 yards, one by Richard Rodgers from two-yards, as well as a 36-yard field goal from Mason Crosby. 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

Week Four: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 3 3814
Bears 7 0 7317

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: October 2
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 60,841
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • CHI - Eddie Royal 4 yard pass from Brian Hoyer. Connor Barth kick is good. Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 5:02. Bears 7–0.
Second quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 50 yard field goal. Drive: 9 plays, 31 yards, 4:11. Bears 7–3.
Third quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 21 yard field goal. Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 7:42. Bears 7–6.
  • CHI - Zach Miller 6 yard pass from Brian Hoyer. Connor Barth kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:44. Bears 14–6.
Fourth quarter
  • CHI - Connor Barth 25 yard field goal. Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 5:51. Bears 17–6.
  • DET - Andre Roberts 85 yard punt return. Golden Tate pass from Matthew Stafford two-point conversion is good. Bears 17–14.
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 23/36, 213 yards, 2 INTs
  • CHI – Brian Hoyer - 28/36, 302 yards, 2 TDs
Top rushers
  • DET – Theo Riddick - 11 carries, 31 yards
  • CHI – Jordan Howard - 23 carries, 111 yards
Top receivers
  • DET – Marvin Jones - 5 receptions, 74 yards
  • CHI – Eddie Royal - 7 receptions, 111 yards
Top tacklers
  • DET – Tahir Whitehead - 8 tackles
  • CHI – Jerrell Freeman - 7 tackles

In week 4, the Lions had their second consecutive divisional road game when they visited the Chicago Bears. The Bears got on the board first with a four-yard touchdown pass from Brian Hoyer to Eddie Royal. 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. The Bears extended their lead in the fourth quarter with a 25-yard field goal from Connor Barth. The Lions responded with an 85-yard punt return by Andre Roberts, and a two-point conversion pass from Matthew Stafford to Golden Tate. Despite the attempted comeback, the Lions came up short, losing 14–17.

Week 5: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week Five: Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Eagles 0 10 10323
Lions 14 7 0324

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: October 9
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 58,047
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Chris Spielman and Peter Schrager
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • DET - Theo Riddick 1 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:23. Lions 7–0.
  • DET - Theo Riddick 17 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:09. Lions 14–0.
Second quarter
  • PHI - Ryan Mathews 1 yard pass from Carson Wentz. Caleb Sturgis kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:32. Lions 14–7.
  • DET - Marvin Jones 1 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 7:13. Lions 21–7.
  • PHI - Caleb Sturgis 50 yard field goal. Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 3:08. Lions 21–10.
Third quarter
  • PHI - Josh Huff] 1 yard pass from Carson Wentz. Caleb Sturgis kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:42. Lions 21–17.
  • PHI - Caleb Sturgis 33 yard field goal. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:00. Lions 21–20.
Fourth quarter
  • PHI - Caleb Sturgis 49 yard field goal. Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 5:21. Eagles 23–21.
  • DET - Matt Prater 29 yard field goal. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 1:06. Lions 24–23.
Top passers
  • PHI – Carson Wentz - 25/33, 238 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 19/25, 180 yards, 3 TDs
Top rushers
  • PHI – Darren Sproles - 5 carries, 45 yards
  • DET – Theo Riddick - 11 carries, 49 yards
Top receivers
  • PHI – Jordan Matthews - 4 receptions, 65 yards
  • DET – Anquan Boldin - 4 receptions, 48 yards
Top tacklers
  • PHI – Rodney McLeod - 8 tackles, 1 assist
  • DET – Tahir Whitehead - 10 tackles, 2 assists

In week 5, the Lions hosted the Philadelphia Eagles 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 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, 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, 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 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

Week Six: Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Rams 7 7 7728
Lions 7 7 71031

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: October 16
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 56,018
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (Fox): Justin Kutcher, Charles Davis, Chris Spielman and Peter Schrager
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • DET - Marvin Jones 7 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:16. Lions 7–0.
  • LA - Kenny Britt 20 yard pass from Case Keenum. Greg Zuerlein kick is good. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:29. Tied 7–7.
Second quarter
  • LA - Case Keenum 1 yard run. Greg Zuerlein kick is good. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 5:51. Rams 14–7.
  • DET - Andre Roberts 2 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:54. Tied 14–14.
Third quarter
  • DET - Anquan Boldin 4 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 2:17. Lions 21–14.
  • LA - Lance Kendricks 15 yard pass from Case Keenum. Greg Zuerlein kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:17. Tied 21–21.
Fourth quarter
  • LA - Kenny Britt 9 yard pass from Case Keenum. Greg Zuerlein kick is good. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:47. Rams 28–21.
  • DET - Golden Tate 23 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 13 plays, 84 yards, 8:07. Tied 28–28.
  • DET - Matt Prater 34 yard field goal is good. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 3:37. Lions 31–28.
Top passers
  • LA – Case Keenum - 27/32, 321 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 22/31, 270 yards, 4 TDs
Top rushers
  • LA – Tood Gurley - 14 carries, 58 yards
  • DET – Zach Zenner - 14 carries, 58 yards
Top receivers
  • LA – Kenny Britt - 7 receptions, 136 yards, 2 TDs
  • DET – Golden Tate - 8 receptions, 165 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers
  • LA – Lamarcus Joiner - 8 tackles, 2 assists
  • DET – Tahir Whitehead - 7 tackles, 2 assists

In week 6, the Lions hosted the Los Angeles Rams. 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 to Kenny Britt, 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. 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 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 NFC Central Championship with an on-field reunion of its players at halftime.

Week 7: vs. Washington Redskins

Week Seven: Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 3 01417
Lions 0 3 71020

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter

No scoring

Second quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 43 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:43. Lions 3–0.
  • WAS - Dustin Hopkins 38 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 3:17. Tied 3–3.
Third quarter
  • DET - Zach Zenner 1 yard rush. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 86 yards, 2:53. Lions 10–3.
Fourth quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 27 yard field Goal. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 5:12. Lions 13–3.
  • WAS - Robert Kelley pass from Kirk Cousins for 1 yard. Dustin Hopkins kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:50. Lions 13–10.
  • WAS - Kirk Cousins 19 yard rush, Dustin Hopkins kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 4:15. Redskins 17–13.
  • DET - Anquan Boldin pass from Matthew Stafford for 18 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 0:49. Lions 20–17.
Top passers
  • WAS – Kirk Cousins - 30/39, 301 yards, 1 TD
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 18/29, 266 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
  • WAS – Chris Thompson - 12 carries, 79 yards
  • DET – Justin Forsett - 8 carries, 33 yards
Top receivers
  • WAS – Jamison Crowder - 7 receptions, 108 yards
  • DET – Marvin Jones - 4 receptions 94 yards
Top tacklers
  • WAS – Donte Whitner - 4 tackles, 4 assists
  • DET – Tahir Whitehead - 8 tackles, 4 assists

In week 7, the Lions hosted the Washington Redskins. 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 from 38 yards, to tie the game at 3 points apiece at halftime. The only score of the third quarter was a one-yard touchdown run by the Lions' Zach Zenner. The Lions extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a 27-yard field goal from Prater. The Redskins responded with 14 unanswered points on a pair of touchdowns, first with a one-yard pass from Kirk Cousins 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

Week Eight: Detroit Lions at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 3 01013
Texans 0 14 3320

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

First quarter

No scoring

Second quarter
  • HOU - C.J. Fiedorowicz 6 yard pass from Brock Osweiler. Nick Novak kick is good. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 5:54. Texans 7–0.
  • HOU - Lamar Miller 1 yard run. Nick Novak kick is good. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 4:34. Texans 14–0.
  • DET - Matt Prater 47 yard field goal. Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 0:30. Texans 14–3.
Third quarter
  • HOU - Nick Novak 33 yard field goal. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:30. Texans 17–3.
Fourth quarter
  • DET - Theo Riddick 1 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:01. Texans 17–10.
  • HOU - Nick Novak 36 yard field goal. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 6:05. Texans 20–10.
  • DET - Matt Prater 34 yard field goal. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 1:16. Texans 20–13.
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 27/41, 240 yards, 1 TD
  • HOU – Brock Osweiler - 20/29, 186 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • DET – Theo Riddick - 11 carries, 56 yards
  • HOU – Lamar Miller - 17 carries, 56 yards 1 TD
Top receivers
  • DET – Eric Ebron - 7 receptions, 79 yards
  • HOU – DeAndre Hopkins - 4 receptions 44 yards
Top tacklers
  • DET – Tavon Wilson - 6 tackles, 3 assists
  • HOU – John Simon - 6 tackles, 2 assists

In week 8, the Lions visited the Houston Texans. After a scoreless first quarter, the Texans took an early lead that they never relinquished with a pair of touchdowns. First, Brock Osweiler connected with C. J. Fiedorowicz on a six-yard touchdown pass, then Lamar Miller 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. 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

Week Nine: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Lions 3 7 06622
Vikings 0 3 67016

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 6
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 66,807
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 47 yard field goal. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 5:00. Lions 3–0.
Second quarter
  • MIN - Blair Walsh 33 yard field goal. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 4:35. Tied 3–3.
  • DET - Anquan Boldin 1 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 17 plays, 84 yards, 9:45. Lions 10–3.
Third quarter
  • MIN - Kyle Rudolph 1 yard pass from Sam Bradford. Blair Walsh kick is no good. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 5:33 Lions 10–9.
Fourth quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 53 yard field goal. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:08. Lions 13–9.
  • MIN - Rhett Ellison 1 yard run. Blair Walsh kick is good. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 3:51. Vikinigs 16–13.
  • DET - Matt Prater 58 yard field goal. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 0:23. Tied 16–16.
Overtime
  • DET - Golden Tate 28 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Drive: 11 plays, 87 yards, 6:39. Lions 22–16.
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 23/36, 219 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
  • MIN – Sam Bradford - 31/40, 273 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
  • DET – Theo Riddick - 14 carries, 70 yards
  • MIN – Ronnie Hillman - 7 carries, 30 yards
Top receivers
  • DET – Eric Ebron - 7 receptions, 92 yards
  • MIN – Stefon Diggs - 13 receptions, 80 yards
Top tacklers
  • DET – Tahir Whitehead - 9 tackles, 3 assists
  • MIN – Everson Griffen - 5 tackles, 2 assits

In week 9, the Lions visited their division rival the Minnesota Vikings. 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. 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 to Kyle Rudolph, 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 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, earning a 22–16 win.

Week 11: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Eleven: Jacksonville Jaguars at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Jaguars 3 6 10019
Lions 0 9 71026

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: November 20
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 61,486
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • JAX - Jason Myers 27 yard field goal. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 0:54. Jaguars 3–0.
Second quarter
  • DET - Andre Roberts 55 yard punt return. Matt Prater kick blocked. Lions 6–3.
  • JAX - Allen Robinson 3 yard pass from Blake Bortles. Jason Myers kick failed. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:19. Jaguars 9–6.
  • DET - Matt Prater 27 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 2:26. Tied 9–9.
Third quarter
  • DET - Rafael Bush 39 yard interception return. Matt Prater kick is good. Lions 16–9.
  • JAX - Jason Myers 52 yard field goal. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 4:42. Lions 16–12.
  • JAX - Marqise Lee 3 yard pass from Blake Bortles. Jason Myers kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 87 yards, 4:56. Jaguars 19–16.
Fourth quarter
  • DET - Eric Ebron 1 yard run. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 3:21. Lions 23–19.
  • DET - Matt Prater 43 yard field goal. Drive: 15 plays, 60 yards, 7:57. Lions 26–19.
Top passers
  • JAX – Blake Bortles - 23/35, 202 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 24/33, 278 yards
Top rushers
  • JAX – Chris Ivory - 17 carries, 39 yards
  • DET – Theo Riddick - 4 carries, 13 yards
Top receivers
  • JAX – Chris Ivory - 6 receptions, 75 yards
  • DET – Eric Ebron - 3 receptions, 70 yards
    Theo Riddick - 8 receptions, 70 yards
Top tacklers
  • JAX – Telvin Smith - 7 tackles, 1 assist
  • DET – Tavon Wilson - 5 tackles

In week 11 following their bye-week, the Lions hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 27-yard field goal from Jason Myers. 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 to Allen Robinson, 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. 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, 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, 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 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.[63]

Week 12: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Thanksgiving Day game
Week Twelve: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 0 3313
Lions 7 3 0616

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter
  • DET - Anquan Boldin 2 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 7:46. Lions 7–0.
  • MIN - Matt Asiata 5 yard run. Kai Forbath kick is good. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:34. Tied 7–7.
Second quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 29 yard field goal. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 3:05. Lions 10–7.
Third quarter
  • MIN - Kai Forbath 30 yard field goal. Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 2:42. Tied 10–10.
Fourth quarter
  • MIN - Kai Forbath 28 yard field goal. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 7:36. Vikings 13–10.
  • DET - Matt Prater 48 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 3:17. Tied 13–13.
  • DET - Matt Prater 40 yard field goal. Drive: 2 plays, 2 yards, 0:30. Lions 16–13.
Top passers
  • MIN – Sam Bradford - 37/37, 224 yards, 1 INT
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 23/40, 232 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
  • MIN – Jerick McKinnon - 9 carries, 31 yards
  • DET – Theo Riddick - 9 carries, 45 yards
Top receivers
  • MIN – Kyle Rudolph - 9 receptions, 64 yards
  • DET – Goldten Tate - 5 receptions, 77 yards
Top tacklers
  • MIN – Harrison Smith - 6 tackles
  • DET – Tahir Whitehead - 11 tackles, 1 assist

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. 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, 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. 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. [64] 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

Week Thirteen: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 0 000
Saints 0 0 000

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: December 4
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Preview
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • DET –
  • NO –
Top rushers
  • DET –
  • NO –
Top receivers
  • DET –
  • NO –
Top tacklers
  • DET –
  • NO –

After their Thanksgiving win, the Lions will travel south to play the New Orleans Saints.

Standings

Division

NFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Detroit Lions 7 4 0 .636 2–2 5–2 244 238 W3
Minnesota Vikings 6 6 0 .500 1–3 4–6 233 209 L2
Green Bay Packers 5 6 0 .455 2–1 4–4 274 289 W1
Chicago Bears 2 9 0 .182 2–1 2–5 188 264 L3

Conference

# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1 Dallas Cowboys East 11 1 0 .917 3–1 7–1 .414 .386 W11
2 Seattle Seahawks West 7 3 1 .682 1–1–1 3–3–1 .475 .494 L1
3[lower-alpha 1] Detroit Lions North 7 4 0 .636 2–2 5–2 .431 .437 W3
4[lower-alpha 1] Atlanta Falcons South 7 4 0 .636 3–1 5–3 .529 .526 W1
Wild Cards
5 New York Giants East 8 3 0 .727 2–1 5–3 .435 .406 W6
6 Washington Redskins East 6 4 1 .591 2–2 4–3 .548 .441 L1
In the Hunt
7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 6 5 0 .545 2–1 5–3 .504 .447 W3
8 Minnesota Vikings North 6 6 0 .500 1–3 4–6 .537 .500 L2
9[lower-alpha 2] New Orleans Saints South 5 6 0 .455 1–2 4–3 .533 .391 W1
10[lower-alpha 2][lower-alpha 3] Green Bay Packers North 5 6 0 .455 2–1 4–4 .528 .436 W1
11[lower-alpha 2][lower-alpha 3] Philadelphia Eagles East 5 6 0 .455 0–3 3–6 .532 .368 L2
12 Arizona Cardinals West 4 6 1 .409 2–1–1 3–4–1 .447 .250 L2
13[lower-alpha 4] Carolina Panthers South 4 7 0 .364 1–3 4–4 .512 .330 L1
14[lower-alpha 4] Los Angeles Rams West 4 7 0 .364 2–1 3–5 .488 .477 L2
15 Chicago Bears North 2 9 0 .182 2–1 2–5 .540 .565 L3
Eliminated from postseason contention
16 San Francisco 49ers West 1 10 0 .091 1–3 1–7 .561 .364 L10
Tiebreakers[lower-alpha 5]
  1. 1 2 Detroit wins tie break over Atlanta based on best win percentage in conference games.
  2. 1 2 3 New Orleans wins tie break over Green Bay and Philadelphia based on best win percentage in conference games.
  3. 1 2 Green Bay wins tie break over Philadelphia based on head-to-head win percentage.
  4. 1 2 Carolina wins tie break over Los Angeles based on head-to-head win percentage.
  5. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.
Legend
w — Clinched wild card
x — Clinched playoff berth
y — Clinched division
z — Clinched first-round bye
* — Clinched home-field advantage

Coaching staff

Detroit Lions staff
Front Office
  • Owner/Chairman – Martha Firestone Ford
  • Vice Chairman – William Clay Ford Jr.
  • President – Rod Wood
  • Special Advisor to the President - Ernie Accorsi
  • COO - Allison Maki
  • Executive Vice President/General Manager – Bob Quinn
  • Vice President of Football Administration - Matt Harriss
  • Chief of Staff/Assistant to the General Manager – Kevin Anderson
  • Director of Player Personnel – Kyle O'Brien
  • Senior Personnel Executive – Brian Xanders
  • Director of College Scouting – Lance Newmark
  • Director of Pro Scouting - Brendan Prophett
  • Assistant Director of Pro Personnel - Rob Lohman
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
  • Offensive Coordinator – Jim Bob Cooter
  • Quarterbacks – Brian Callahan
  • Running Backs – David Walker
  • Wide Receivers – Robert Prince
  • Tight Ends – Al Golden
  • Quality Control/Offensive Line - Michael McCarthy
  • Offensive Assistant/Research & Analysis - Evan Rothstein
  
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
  • Special Teams Coordinator – Joe Marciano
  • Special Teams Assistant - Devin Fitzsimmons
Strength and Conditioning
  • Head Strength and Conditioning – Harold Nash
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Josh Schuler
Coaching Support Staff
  • Director of Football Research/Special Projects - Randy Edsall
  • Director of Coaching Operations - Gina Newell

→ Coaching Staff
→ Management
→ More NFL staffs

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References

  1. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (January 8, 2016). "Lions hire general manager". Detroit Lions. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  2. ↑ Detroit Lions cheerleaders make official debut this weekend WJBK, September 15, 2016
  3. ↑ "Lions re-sign DT Tyrunn Walker". Detroit Lions. March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
  4. ↑ "Lions re-sign LB Tahir Whitehead". Detroit Lions. March 11, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Lions re-sign CB Crezdon Butler". Detroit Lions. March 11, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Lions re-sign LS Don Muhlbach". Detroit Lions. March 11, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  7. ↑ "Lions re-sign QB Dan Orlovsky". Detroit Lions. March 11, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  8. ↑ "Lions re-sign DT Haloti Ngata". Detroit Lions. March 9, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  9. ↑ "Lions re-sign TE Tim Wright". Detroit Lions. March 14, 2016. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Lions sign LB Josh Bynes and trade LB Kyle Van Noy to Patriots". Detroit Lions. October 25, 2016. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Lions sign linebacker Jerry Franklin". Detroit Lions. February 11, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  12. ↑ "Lions sign offensive tackle Lamar Holmes". Detroit Lions. February 12, 2016. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  13. ↑ "Lions sign unrestricted free agent S Tavon Wilson". Detroit Lions. March 10, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  14. ↑ "Lions sign unrestricted free agent CB Johnson Bademosi". Detroit Lions. March 10, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  15. ↑ "Lions sign free agent DT Stefan Charles". Detroit Lions. March 10, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  16. ↑ "Lions sign unrestricted free agent WR Marvin Jones". Detroit Lions. March 10, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Lions sign unrestricted free agent S Rafael Bush". Detroit Lions. March 12, 2016. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Lions sign free agent WR Jeremy Kerley". Detroit Lions. March 21, 2016. Retrieved March 21, 2016.
  19. ↑ "Lions sign unrestricted free agent CB Darrin Walls". Detroit Lions. March 29, 2016. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
  20. ↑ "Lions sign free agent OL Geoff Schwartz". Detroit Lions. March 30, 2016. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  21. ↑ "Lions sign free agents DE Wallace Gilberry and TE Matthew Mulligan". Detroit Lions. April 4, 2016. Retrieved April 4, 2016.
  22. ↑ "Lions sign free agent RB Stevan Ridley". Detroit Lions. April 5, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  23. ↑ Birkett, Dave (April 25, 2016). "Detroit Lions sign punter Kyle Christy". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  24. ↑ Birkett, Dave (May 2, 2016). "Detroit Lions sign LB Zaviar Gooden". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Lions sign unrestricted free agent WR Andre Caldwell". Detroit Lions. May 5, 2016. Retrieved May 5, 2016.
  26. ↑ "Lions sign 12 undrafted rookie free agents". Detroit Lions. May 6, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2016.
  27. ↑ "Lions sign nine 2016 draft picks". Detroit Lions. May 6, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2016.
  28. ↑ "Lions sign second-round pick DT A'Shawn Robinson". Detroit Lions. May 10, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  29. ↑ Katzenstein, Josh (May 13, 2016). "Lions sign former Central DE Louis Palmer, cut OT Holmes". The Detroit News. Retrieved May 13, 2016.
  30. ↑ "Lions sign undrafted rookie free agent TE Ben McCord". Detroit Lions. May 31, 2016. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  31. ↑ Birkett, Dave (June 1, 2016). "Detroit Lions sign rookie Alabama OL Dominick Jackson". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  32. ↑ "Lions sign undrafted rookie free agent K Devon Bell, waive P Kyle Christy". Detroit Lions. June 2, 2016. Retrieved June 2, 2016.
  33. ↑ "Lions sign free agent WR Damian Copeland, waive G Andrew Zeller". Detroit Lions. June 7, 2016. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
  34. ↑ "Lions announce several transactions". Detroit Lions. June 13, 2016. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
  35. ↑ "Lions sign free agent TE Orson Charles". Detroit Lions. June 16, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  36. ↑ "Lions sign free agent T Luke Marquardt". Detroit Lions. July 21, 2016. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  37. ↑ "Lions sign WR Anquan Boldin and LB Dominique Tovell". Detroit Lions. July 28, 2016. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  38. ↑ Birkett, Dave (August 1, 2016). "Detroit Lions sign LB Raphael Kirby". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
  39. ↑ "Lions waive LB Raphael Kirby and sign LB Chi Chi Ariguzo". Detroit Lions. August 5, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
  40. ↑ "Lions waive WR Damian Copeland and sign WR Alex Chisum". Detroit Lions. August 8, 2016. Retrieved August 8, 2016.
  41. ↑ "Lions sign CB Rashaad Reynolds and waive-injured CB Ian Wells". Detroit Lions. August 10, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
  42. ↑ "Lions sign TE Andrew Quarless and LB Dominique Tovell". Detroit Lions. August 15, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  43. ↑ "Lions waive WR Alex Chisum and sign free agent OL Lemuel Jeanpierre". Detroit Lions. August 17, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  44. ↑ "Lions waive CB Keith Lewis and sign free agent CB Brandon McGee". Detroit Lions. August 23, 2016. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  45. ↑ "Lions sign free agent WR Aaron Dobson, place Ameer Abdullah on reserve/injured". Detroit Lions. September 21, 2016. Retrieved September 21, 2016.
  46. ↑ "Lions sign free agent RB Justin Forsett". Detroit Lions. October 11, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
  47. ↑ O'Hara, Mike (February 16, 2016). "Lions part ways with Joique Bell". Detroit Lions. Retrieved February 16, 2016.
  48. ↑ Patra, Kevin (February 16, 2016). "Lions CB Rashean Mathis announces retirement". National Football League. Retrieved February 16, 2016.
  49. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (February 19, 2016). "Lions release DT C.J. Wilson". Detroit Lions. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  50. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 8, 2016). "Calvin Johnson retires from the NFL". Detroit Lions. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
  51. ↑ Katzenstein, Josh (May 5, 2016). "Lions cut another center, Darren Keyton". The Detroit News. Retrieved May 5, 2016.
  52. ↑ Birkett, Dave (May 13, 2016). "Detroit Lions sign CMU's Palmer, cut Lamar Holmes". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 13, 2016.
  53. ↑ "Lions release LB Stephen Tulloch". Detroit Lions. July 5, 2016. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
  54. ↑ Rogers, Justin (August 22, 2016). "Lions release WR Andre Caldwell". The Detroit News. Retrieved August 22, 2016.
  55. ↑ Birkett, Dave (August 25, 2016). "Detroit Lions release veteran RB Stevan Ridley". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  56. ↑ "Lions acquire LB Jon Bostic via trade with Patriots". Detroit Lions. May 9, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
  57. ↑ Birket, Dave (August 28, 2016). "Lions acquire OG Brandon Thomas in trade for Jeremy Kerley". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  58. ↑ Wesseling, Chris (October 25, 2016). "Patriots trade for Lions linebacker Kyle Van Noy". National Football League. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  59. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 2, 2015). "Detroit Lions trade up, draft defensive tackle Gabe Wright". Detroit Lions. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  60. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (April 30, 2015). "Detroit Lions trade back, draft guard Laken Tomlinson". Detroit Lions. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  61. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (August 2, 2015). "Lions trade Mohammed Seisay to Seattle". Detroit Lions. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  62. ↑ "Mariota lifts Titans to close victory over Lions". NFL.com. September 18, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  63. ↑ Patra, Kevin (November 20, 2016). "Lions earn sixth comeback win of season vs. Jaguars". NFL.com. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  64. ↑ "Trail in fourth quarter? Nothing new for Lions". ESPN.com. November 24, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2016.

External links

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