The Lions underwent a complete overhaul at quarterback, as all three quarterbacks from 1993 left in free agency: Rodney Peete joined Dallas as a backup to Troy Aikman; Erik Kramer signed with division rival Chicago as their starter; and former Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware signed with Minnesota but was cut before the season started, subsequently being picked up and later released by the Los Angeles Raiders without playing a single down.
The Lions opened the 1994 season by hosting the Falcons, who were no longer with the services of defensive back Deion Sanders, now with San Francisco.
Scott Mitchell and Jeff George erupted in the second half, combining for six touchdowns as the game lead tied or changed six times.
Dave Meggett's 56-yard punt return and Aaron Pierce's seven-yard catch in the fourth forced overtime, won 28–25 by the Lions on a 24-yard kick by Jason Hanson.
The post-November collapse of the 1994 Jets continued as Jason Hanson booted four field goals yet missed the PAT on a Barry Sanders touchdown catch.
The Lions needed only 284 yards of offense as Barry Sanders accounted for two touchdowns and Dave Krieg added a pair of scoring tosses.
Warren Moon managed one touchdown and one pick and was replaced by Brad Johnson, but it couldn't help the Vikings overcome ten penalties for 98 yards.
Bernie Parmalee had 39 rushing yards and three touchdowns as the Dolphins won 27–20, winning the AFC East while the Lions made the playoffs as the NFC's fifth seed.