The Detroit Lions made a strong statement in Week 10, rebounding from their disappointing loss to the Minnesota Vikings with an emphatic 44–22 road victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 9. The win carried a special sense of redemption, as Detroit had been eliminated by Washington in last year’s divisional round after falling 45–31.
A major storyline from Sunday’s triumph was head coach Dan Campbell assuming offensive play-calling duties from first-year coordinator John Morton. Following the defeat to Minnesota, Campbell said he and Morton had a candid discussion about what needed to change offensively.
“John’s all about the team,” Campbell told reporters. “He just wants to win. He’s fully committed to helping however he can, and he was fantastic today. He’s a tireless worker who’s always prepared. Sure, stepping back probably isn’t easy for him, but he handled it like a pro, and we keep moving forward.”
Next up, Detroit will take on the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in prime time on Sunday Night Football, November 16. And the Lions enter the week with some encouraging news from around the league.
On Monday Night Football, the Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers, a result that unexpectedly helped Detroit. When the new standings were released Tuesday morning, the Lions had risen to the top of the NFC North.
Due to the Packers’ tie earlier this season against the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay’s latest loss reshuffled the division standings, putting the Lions in first place. Although the Chicago Bears share the same record as Detroit, the Lions hold the tiebreaker advantage, according to NFL research—making them the current frontrunners in the NFC North.
The NFC Race Tightens
Green Bay’s stumble could have major consequences in the NFC playoff picture. If the Lions can pull off a win against Philadelphia, their push for the conference’s top seed would gain real momentum. However, as Detroit learned last season, early postseason exits can quickly erase regular-season success.
Elsewhere in the conference, the Seattle Seahawks continue to draw national attention. They’ve climbed to No. 1 in the NFL’s Week 11 power rankings, while also earning No. 5 on ESPN’s list and No. 1 on Alternative Fix’s rankings. The Los Angeles Rams are also in the mix among top-ranked NFC contenders.
NFL analyst Eric Edholm praised Seattle’s surge on the league’s official site, writing: “Following the Seahawks’ decisive win over the Cardinals, even with a few rough stretches, I feel comfortable placing them here. In a year with lots of turnover atop the standings, this feels like a rare moment of stability.”
With the Lions regaining their footing and the division landscape shifting in their favor, Sunday’s matchup against Philadelphia could mark a defining moment in Detroit’s season.
