By Moses Joshua 
Detroit reclaims NFC North lead as Dan Campbell’s bold play-calling move reignites momentum before a primetime showdown
Lions Ride Momentum After Commanders Beatdown
The Detroit Lions are back in rhythm — and just in time for one of their biggest matchups of the season. After a frustrating Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit responded with a commanding 44-22 road win over the Washington Commanders on November 9. The victory carried extra satisfaction, coming against the same team that knocked them out of last season’s divisional round.
Head coach Dan Campbell took a decisive step toward righting the ship by reclaiming offensive play-calling duties from first-year offensive coordinator John Morton, a move that clearly paid off. The offense clicked from the opening drive, rediscovering the balance and aggression that defined its early-season success.
“Listen, John Morton’s all team. That’s all he cares about,” Campbell told reporters postgame. “He just wants to win. He wants to be a part of it. He wants to help where he can, and he was outstanding today.”
Campbell acknowledged that the switch could not have been easy for Morton but praised his professionalism and dedication: “He’s a grinder, he’s a worker, and he just tries to help and give you anything you can possibly need for the game. Look, if you’re him, of course it probably doesn’t feel too good, but he’s also a pro and he understands everything, so we move on.”
Detroit Benefits from Eagles’ Victory Over Packers
The good news for the Lions didn’t stop with their dominant win. A day later, the Philadelphia Eagles delivered Detroit a bonus victory of sorts by defeating the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football.
The result had ripple effects across the NFC standings, propelling Detroit into first place in the NFC North. Because of Green Bay’s earlier tie with the Dallas Cowboys, the Packers’ latest loss pushed the Lions to the top — and with the tiebreaker advantage over the Chicago Bears, Detroit officially woke up Tuesday morning as division leaders once again.
Now, the Lions will face the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles in a primetime clash on November 16, a matchup that could shape the playoff landscape across the NFC.
NFC Race Tightens as Lions Eye the Top Seed
With the Packers’ stumble, Detroit’s path toward the NFC’s No. 1 seed suddenly looks much clearer — though the competition remains fierce. A win over the Eagles would not only bolster their playoff resume but also cement their legitimacy as a conference powerhouse.
Beyond Detroit and Philadelphia, the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams continue to jostle for top-five positions across various power rankings. NFL analyst Eric Edholm captured the mood perfectly, noting Seattle’s rise after a statement victory:
“Following the Seahawks’ thrashing of the Cardinals, even with some ugly stretches, I feel OK about elevating them into this perch. In a season where I’ve spotlighted multiple teams atop the list, this feels like stability.”
As for Detroit, stability may finally be within reach. With Dan Campbell’s leadership, renewed offensive firepower, and control of their own destiny, the Lions have a golden opportunity to make a statement on the national stage — and to prove they belong among the NFC’s elite.