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The Detroit Lions have been eliminated from the postseason, even though they won in Week 18. This is because they required some assistance from the Los Angeles Rams to make it. The Lions had to beat the Green Bay Packers and the Rams needed to defeat the Seattle Seahawks.
Regrettably, the Seattle Seahawks won 19-16 in overtime, meaning Detroit were doomed before they even kicked off. This, however, did not detract from the importance of the game for the Lions. The Packers knew that a win would be enough to see themselves into the playoffs, something Detroit were keen to avoid.
Detroit adopted an "either we make it or you don't" approach to both franchises' postseason chances and were eager to end the Packers' season. This they did and, as a result, the Seahawks have snuck into the playoffs.
The Seahawks improved to 9-8 overall and assumed the seventh seed in the NFC. The Lions' performance against the Packers proved meaningless (at least for them) as they fell short in their face-off contest with the Seahawks.
Considering how determined Detroit were to have a magical chase (from 1-6 and fighting their way back to.500) the victory was somewhat bittersweet. They may not have made it, but they brought the Packers down with them. There is thus a real sense of optimism about the franchise.
The Detroit Lions eliminated the Packers from playoff contention in spectacular fashion
Detroit will not make the playoffs for the sixth straight year, but this time they will be joined by the Green Bay Packers. The Lions were aware that they had nothing to lose, yet they still gave it their all out of pride and (perhaps most importantly) spite.
The Green Bay Packers knew that all they needed to do to qualify was a victory. However, Detroit's defensive unit (which has been largely ineffective for most of the season) rendered this Packers attack toothless.
Detroit recorded a dramatic 20-16 victory on a freezing night in Wisconsin. The atmosphere was tense as Packers fans (who had been quietly confident in the build-up) once again saw their team falter when it mattered the most.
To put it mildly, the Green Bay Packers had an eventful season. Aaron Rodgers made it plain that they wouldn't quit until the club was mathematically removed after going 4-8 and being written off by many. Like Detroit, Green Bay went on a winning spree to put them back in playoff contention, only to lose to a rival they have dominated in recent years.
The Lions swept the Packers in the 2022 campaign, and both franchises will be looking to compete for the division next season. After a fiery end to the regular season, the 2023 campaign's matchups should be something to behold.
