Detroit was so bad for so long that some started clamoring for the franchise to lose its traditional place on the holiday.
Suddenly, the Lions are a team NFL fans outside the Motor City want to see.
“We’re getting networks asking for the Lions,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in an interview with Fox 2 Detroit before attending Detroit’s last game at Ford Field.
“I think a lot of that goes back to the final game last season when they went into Green Bay.
They didn’t necessarily have anything to play for, but they went and beat their division opponent and knocked them out of the playoffs.
In the kickoff game, they made another statement.”
That was the first game of this season, when Detroit won at Super Bowl champion Kansas City.
The NFC North-leading Lions (8-2) will have another opportunity to show the masses what they can do against the Packers (4-6) on Thursday.
Detroit has opened a year with eight wins in 10 games for the first time since 1962. The run included a Week 4 win at Green Bay.
The Lions closed last season with eight wins in their last 10 games and capped the run by keeping Aaron Rodgers out of the postseason in what turned out to be his last game with Green Bay.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur is hoping his team can stem the tide.
The Packers will be missing some key players.
Tight end Luke Musgrave and receiver Emanuel Wilson went on injured reserve Wednesday.
Running back James Robinson was added to the active roster because Aaron Jones is out with a knee injury. AJ Dillon will likely start in the backfield.