Here’s Why the Detroit Lions Clinching the NFC North is So Important
What a Christmas gift for the Motor City! The Detroit Lions clinched their division title for the first time since 1993 on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), following a very close and scary win over the Minnesota Vikings, 30-24. I was about to thrust myself into the TV towards the end of the game, when it looked like the Vikings were going to come back and win it. But, thankfully, all is well, and my TV is entact. So, why is the Detroit Lions clinching the NFC North so important?
It’s not just bragging rights. The Detroit Lions clinching the NFC North is major for the Lions, because it guarantees us the opportunity to host a playoff game. Having playoff games at home could be big for the Lions, as it could help Detroit be more competitive in a run for the Super Bowl.
The NFC North officially formed in 2002. So, the Lions have technically never won the NFC North. The team that’s won the division the most has been the Green Bay Packers with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. All in all, the Detroit Lions, before today, had won three division titles since the Super Bowl era started in 1966. Their most recent was in 1993, when the team won the NFC Central.
So, have the Detroit Lions ever won the Super Bowl? The answer is no, but they’re not alone. A dozen NFL teams have never won a Super Bowl. Detroit has actually never even been to a Super Bowl. They came fairly close in 1991, when they lost to Washington in the NFC championship game. This was the Barry Sanders era, so he obviously had a lot to do with the good showing.
Sunday’s game was a bit messy, with lots of flags and turnovers. But, a win is a win, baby. I could cry happy tears right now, but I’ll try to hold those back and retain my dignity. We’ll talk about all of this on my podcast this week, “The Squad with Anne Erickson.” Go Lions. Reach out to me with your thoughts on socials here.