2. The 2011 Detroit Lions
Record: 7
This volatile but revitalized edition of the squad started the season 5-0, cooling off later on but still finishing at a strong 10-6
Achievements: 8.5
- First playoff berth since 1999
- First ten win season since 1995
- Started the season 5-0 for the first time since 1956
- 474 total points, the most in franchise history
- Matthew Stafford named NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Star Power: 8
- Prime Calvin Johnson, first team All-Pro with 1,681 yards and 16 receiving TDs
- QB Matthew Stafford, with over 5,000 passing yards and 41 TDs, at the age of 23
- DT Ndamukong Suh, in his most controversial (but not his most productive) season
Entertainment Value: 9
- Erased second half deficits of 20, 24, and 13 points against the Vikings, Cowboys, and Raiders, all in away games
- The long-awaited Stafford to Calvin connection finally took off and was at its most potent
- Electric atmosphere at Ford Field’s first ever Monday Night game, a Week 5 win against Chicago
- Lions finally made it back to the playoffs, and matched a powerful Saints team punch-for-punch at the Superdome, a proud showing even in defeat
Total Score: 32.5