Under first-year head coach George Wilson, the Lions won their fourth and most recent NFL title.
Detroit tied with the San Francisco 49ers (8–4) for the conference title, which required a tiebreaker playoff game.
[9] Played on December 29 at Briggs Stadium in Detroit, the Lions led 17–0 after the first quarter and won in a rout, 59–14.
[1][2][3][4] Through the 2023 season, the Lions have yet to win, or even return to, another NFL title game (including the Super Bowl), an absence of more than sixty years.
[10] Running backs Wide receivers Tight ends Defensive linemen Defensive backs Special teams rookies in italics At the "Meet the Lions" banquet on Monday, August 12, seventh-year head coach Buddy Parker surprised the audience by abruptly announcing his resignation;[12][13] longtime assistant coach George Wilson was promoted the following day.
Quarterback Johnny Unitas threw four touchdown passes while the Baltimore defense held the Lions to 23 rushing yards and intercepted Bobby Layne three times.
Rookie Steve Junker was the Lions' leading scorer with 12 points on touchdown receptions covering 26 and 23 yards.