It has been 12 long years with a 0-16 campaign to boot, but only three years after that low point the Detroit Lions are back in the playoffs. Detroit has yet to learn its destination, but it will play on the road at Dallas, New York, New Orleans or San Francisco in the first round of the NFC playoffs on Jan. 7 or 8.
Three of those four games would be a rematch of a regular season game. Detroit defeated Dallas in Dallas, but lost at New Orleans and at home against San Francisco.
Detroit jumped on the San Diego Chargers early in this 38-10 win. They led 24-0 at the half and 31-10 after three quarters. Matthew Stafford threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns in a masterful performance to earn the first postseason berth of his career. Kevin Smith scored a touchdown via a pass and a run. Chris Houston sealed the game up with an interception with less than five minutes to play, sending the Detroit crowd into a frenzy. Cliff Avril then intercepted Philip Rivers and returned it for a touchdown for the game's final points.
Calvin Johnson added 102 yards on four catches with one reception going for a touchdown.