Detroit Lions

General Information

City: Detroit, MI
Stadium: Ford Field, MI
Conference: NFC North

Championships:

SuperBowl: 1935, 1952, 1953, 1957
Division championships: 1952, 1953, 1954, 1957

Detroit Lions All-Time Records

All-Time Passing Leaders

Matthew Stafford – 45,109
Bobby Layne – 15,710
Scott Mitchell – 12,647

All-Time Rushing Leaders

Barry Sanders – 15,269
Billy Sims – 5,106
Dexter Bussey – 5,105

All-Time Receiving Leaders

Calvin Johnson – 11,619
Herman Moore – 9,174
Johnnie Morton – 6,499

All-Time Sacks Leaders

Alex Karras – 100.0
Robert Porcher – 95.5
Al Baker – 74.0

Detroit Lions History

The Detroit Lions, one of the oldest teams in the league, have had a storied history in the NFL since their inception in 1930 as the Portsmouth Spartans. After moving to Detroit in 1934, they quickly found success, winning NFL championships in 1935, 1952, 1953, and 1957.

In these early years, the Lions boasted some of the finest NFL players, like “Night Train” Lane and Bobby Layne. The Lions’ golden age in the 1950s was primarily due to a lethal combination of a stout defense and a powerful offense, bolstered by standout NFL players like Joe Schmidt and Alex Karras.

Unfortunately, the franchise’s success in the NFL playoffs has been limited since its last championship in 1957. Despite this, they have had several notable players, including Barry Sanders -one of the greatest running backs in NFL history- and Calvin Johnson, a dominant wide receiver known for his amazing athleticism and catching ability.

The Lions have historically struggled to convert individual player successes into team triumphs in the NFL playoffs. As of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021, the team has been on a quest to rectify this, working towards building a cohesive and competitive team that can challenge for playoff spots consistently. Their story is a testament to the unpredictability and competitiveness of the NFL.

Historical Detroit Lions Standings

The Detroit Lions, established as the Portsmouth Spartans in 1930 and later relocated to Detroit in 1934, have a rich, yet complex history in the NFL. Their early years were marked with success, securing NFL Championships in 1935, 1952, 1953, and 1957, often standing at the top of the NFL standings.

The team has had its share of iconic NFL players, from Hall of Fame inductees like Barry Sanders to Calvin Johnson, who have left indelible marks on the franchise. Despite their individual brilliance, the team’s performance in the NFL standings has been inconsistent in recent decades.

A key factor that impacted the Lions’ standings has been NFL injuries. This recurring issue, common across the league, has had considerable influence on the team’s performance, often derailing promising seasons. For example, in 2019, an injury to starting quarterback Matthew Stafford significantly hampered their season, leading to a decline in the NFL standings.

As of September 2021, the Lions have continued to strive towards improved consistency and resilience, hoping to minimize the impact of NFL injuries and enhance their performance in the standings. The team’s journey illustrates the unpredictability of the NFL, where managing injuries and maintaining consistency is as crucial as talent and strategy.

Check out all the updated Detroit Lions stats, recent news, and betting tips, here at Point Spreads.

Detroit Lions Standings FAQs

When was the last time the Detroit Lions topped the NFL standings in their division?

As of September 2021, the last time the Detroit Lions topped their division, the NFC North, was in 1993. That year, they ended the regular season with a 10-6 record. Since then, they’ve made the playoffs several times as a wildcard team, but have not clinched the top spot in their division.

How have NFL injuries affected the Lions' standings historically?

Injuries have played a significant role in the Lions’ standings over the years. In many seasons, injuries to key players, like the back injury suffered by quarterback Matthew Stafford in 2019, have directly led to disappointing performances and lower placements in the standings.

Who are some of the notable NFL players that impacted the Lions' standings?

The Lions have had several standout players who have significantly impacted their standings. Two of the most iconic are Barry Sanders, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, and Calvin Johnson, an exceptional wide receiver. However, despite the performances of these standout players, the Lions have often struggled to translate individual success into team success in the NFL standings.