ANSWER: Minnesota Vikings
Since 2010, no NFL quarterback has led more 4th quarter comeback victories than Matthew Stafford. I’m sure most Lions fans have their favorite Stafford drive at this point. Mine is either the “Fake Spike Game” against Dallas, or the “Injured Shoulder/Pass Interference” play against the Browns*.
*Side note: I accidentally wrote that as ‘the Brons’ the first time. The Cleveland Brons play a different sport.
Of Stafford’s 25 comebacks in the 2010s, four of them have been at the expense of the Vikings. At this point, the Vikings can probably take their pick of least-favorite Stafford moments.
Stafford comebacks vs Minnesota:
2011– Lions trail 20-0 at halftime. Stafford airs it out to Calvin Johnson for 2 TDs. Furious second half charge forces overtime. Jason Hanson kicks a game-winning FG.
2014–Lions trail 14-0 in first half. Stafford has a rough day, but leads a key FG drive when they need it.. Lions take 16-14 lead late in 4th quarter. Blair Walsh tries a 68 yard field goal for Minnesota that comes up short.
2016–25 yard line, 25 seconds left, no timeouts, sidelines defended? Not a big deal. Stafford works the middle of the field on two plays. Matt Prater hits 58-yard kick to force overtime. Stafford finds Golden Tate down the sideline for a 22-16 walk-off win.
2016–Lions gain first place in the division on Thanksgiving. Touchdown drive on the first possession, very little offense again until the 4th quarter. Stafford leads a late FG drive to tie the game. Big Play Slay picks off Sam Bradford. Matt Prater kicks game-winner on the final play.
Question #7. Which Lions home game has the highest attendance of the 2010s so far?
(a) Monday Night Oct. 2011–Lions beat Bears 24-13 in Ford Field’s first Monday Night game, pushing their record to 5-0 to begin the season.
(b) Christmas Eve 2011–Lions dominate Chargers 38-10, clinching first playoff berth in a dozen years.
(c) ‘NFC North Title Game’ 2016–Packers beat Lions 31-24 to win the division on the final day of the regular season.
(d) Thanksgiving 2017–Thanksgiving buzz and throwback jerseys are back, but Lions fall to Vikings 30-23.