They were widely believed to be likely to suffer the NFL’s first 0–16 season[3] before they defeated the Minnesota Vikings.

The Lions closed the Silverdome by defeating the Dallas Cowboys 15–10 in the regular season finale.

Coincidentally, the Cowboys defeated the Lions 36–10 in the first regular season game at the Silverdome (then known as Pontiac Metropolitan Stadium) in 1975.

This would start a stage of futility for the Lions, as they would fail to post a winning record with Millen as general manager.

Quarterback Ty Detmer made his first start for the Lions, ending the game with seven interceptions.