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When the season began, many doubted that the Detroit Lions would finish in the playoffs. After an unexpected 10-6 finish that resulted in the first playoff appearance in 12 years, the Lions are indeed in the playoffs. According to SB Nation NFL writer Joel Thorman, the Lions were also a top-10 team in the final power rankings of the season:
9. Detroit Lions (10-6, LW: 7): The Lions are in the playoffs for the first time since 1999. But they got a tough draw -- at New Orleans. Now's not a good time to be playing the Saints.
The Lions did drop two spots this week after allowing Matt Flynn to have a career day on them, preventing their first win at Green Bay in 20 years. The draw with the Saints is also not a favorable one after Detroit lost by 14 at the Saints earlier this season.
For more on the Detroit Lions, check out Pride of Detroit. You can also head over to SB Nation's main NFL hub at SBNation.com/NFL.