After Sunday's 30-24 divisional victory against the Vikings in Minnesota, the Detroit Lions will celebrate Christmas and the holidays in Metro Detroit in style, as they haven't done so since 1993.
With this win, the Lions have 11 victories for the season, which is their best record since 2014, and they also ensure that Ford Field will host at least one playoff game. As an added bonus, they will secure the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs with this victory.
"That's a hell of a win," Lions coach Dan Campbell remarked. "Several folks in this organization make me proud. Very proud of the coaches and players. This is amazing. You seldom get to do it. It's amazing to win the division, regardless of how many you acquire, because of the labor.
Lions win their first NFC North title since 2002. They last won a division title in 1993 in the NFC Central.
Lions safety Kerby Joseph had two interceptions, and Ifeatu Melifonwu and rookie defensive back Brian Branch each had one. Last minute, Lions' Melifonwu's iced the game at the 5-yard line.
"This has been a long time coming," Decker remarked. A lot of repressed emotion. Want to be acknowledged as a team and a winner. Today I sobbed more than in my career."
Detroit's St. Brown had a tremendous day with 12 receptions for 106 yards and a 1-yard touchdown. He became the sixth athlete in history to have two seasons with 100 catches and 1,000 receiving yards in their first three professional seasons with his ninth game over 100 yards receiving this season.
Detroit led 17-7 late in the first half on Montgomery (1) and Gibbs (14) touchdown runs, but they gave up a 26-yard touchdown to Justin Jefferson before halftime and a 6-yard touchdown to K.J. Osborn on Minnesota's first possession of the second half to trail 21-17.
Campbell and this squad have wanted the division win since spring. The Lions will rejoice this triumph, but they aspire to achieve more this season.