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The Top 5 Detroit Lions teams of the last 25 years

By Payne Schanski

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 24: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions slaps hands with teammate Ndamukong Suh #90 after a NFL game against the San Diego Chargers at Ford Field on December 24, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions won 38-10. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 24: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions slaps hands with teammate Ndamukong Suh #90 after a NFL game against the San Diego Chargers at Ford Field on December 24, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions won 38-10. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images
Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images /

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

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