Detroit made the postseason for the first time since their championship season in 1957 (they played in three post-season runner-up games (Playoff Bowl) in 1960, 1961, and 1962 and won all three).
The Lions led by a point with only two seconds left, but Saints kicker Tom Dempsey booted a then-record 63-yard field goal as time expired to give the Saints a 19–17 win.
[1][2][3] In the divisional round of the playoffs at the Cotton Bowl, the Lions fell 5–0 to the Dallas Cowboys in the lowest scoring game in NFL playoff history, and the first without a touchdown in twenty years.
[4][5] [6] Running backs Wide receivers Tight ends Defensive linemen Defensive backs Special teams Practice squad rookies in italics Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
[7] Note: Tie games were not officially counted in the standings until 1972. at Cotton Bowl, Dallas, Texas