The Detroit Lions have been a force to reckon with in the 2024 NFL season, showcasing a remarkable turnaround under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. With a franchise-record 15 wins, the Lions secured the NFC’s top seed and clinched their second consecutive NFC North title. However, even with their stellar performance, the question on every fan’s mind is: Who did the Lions lose to this season? This article dives deep into the Lions’ 2024 season, detailing their losses, analyzing key moments, and providing insights into their journey. Let’s explore the teams that managed to defeat the Lions and how these games impacted their season.
The Lions’ Stellar 2024 Season
Before answering who did the Lions lose to this season, it’s essential to understand the context of their 2024 campaign. The Lions finished the regular season with a 15-2 record, marking their best performance in decades. They lead the NFL in points scored (564) and differential (+222), and they went 8-0 on the road, a franchise first. Their offense, powered by quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, was a juggernaut, while their defense, despite injuries, ranked seventh in points allowed. However, no team is invincible, and the Lions faced setbacks that shaped their season.
Who Did the Lions Lose to This Season in the Regular Season?
To answer who did the Lions lose to this season in the regular season, we look at their two losses:
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 2)
The first team the Lions lost to this season was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in a tight 20-16 defeat on September 15, 2024, at Ford Field. This early-season matchup was a rematch of the previous year’s NFC Divisional Round, where the Lions had triumphed. However, the Buccaneers flipped the script, capitalizing on the Lions’ struggles in the red zone. Detroit converted only one of seven red-zone opportunities, and a costly penalty before halftime allowed Tampa Bay to maintain their defensive edge. Despite a valiant effort, the Lions couldn’t overcome missed passes and defensive miscues, marking their first loss of the season.
2. Buffalo Bills (Week 15)
The second team the Lions lost to this season was the Buffalo Bills, in a high-scoring 48-42 shootout on December 15, 2024, at Ford Field. The Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, tore through a depleted Lions defense missing key players like Aidan Hutchinson. Despite a heroic effort from Jared Goff, who threw for over 400 yards, the Lions couldn’t keep pace with Buffalo’s explosive offense. This game highlighted the Lions’ defensive vulnerabilities, especially with injuries piling up, but their offense remained a treat to watch, keeping them competitive until the final whistle.
Who Did the Lions Lose to This Season in the Playoffs?
The Lions’ postseason journey added another layer to the question of who did the Lions lose to this season. After securing a first-round bye as the NFC’s top seed, the Lions faced a shocking upset in the Divisional Round.
3. Washington Commanders (NFC Divisional Round)
The most crushing answer to who did the Lions lose to this season came on January 18, 2025, when the Washington Commanders defeated the Lions 45-31 in the NFC Divisional Round. The Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, exploited a Lions defense ravaged by injuries, including the loss of starters Amik Robertson and Ifeatu Melifonwu during the game. Jared Goff struggled, turning the ball over four times, and a critical penalty for too many men on the field on a fourth-and-2 play shifted momentum to Washington. Despite a valiant effort from Jahmyr Gibbs, who scored two rushing touchdowns, the Lions couldn’t overcome their mistakes, ending their Super Bowl dreams.
Key Factors Behind the Lions’ Losses
To understand who did the Lions lose to this season and why, we need to examine the factors that contributed to these defeats:
- Red-Zone Struggles: In the loss to the Buccaneers, the Lions’ inability to convert red-zone opportunities was a game-changer. They scored only once in seven trips inside the 20-yard line, a rare off-day for an otherwise potent offense.
- Injuries on Defense: The Lions’ defense was hit hard by injuries throughout the season, particularly in the losses to the Bills and Commanders. Missing key players like Aidan Hutchinson and others weakened their ability to stop high-powered offenses.
- Turnovers: In the playoff loss to the Commanders, Jared Goff’s four turnovers were a significant factor. Even an MVP-caliber quarterback can have an off-day, and this game proved costly.
- Penalties at Critical Moments: The penalty for too many men on the field against the Commanders was a pivotal mistake, giving Washington a fresh set of downs and leading to a touchdown that sealed the Lions’ fate.
Impact of These Losses on the Lions’ Season
The question of who did the Lions lose to this season isn’t just about the opponents but also about how these losses shaped the team’s trajectory. The early loss to the Buccaneers served as a wake-up call, prompting the Lions to refine their red-zone efficiency. In response, they went on an eight-game winning streak, which became the franchise’s longest winning streak in the Super Bowl era. The loss to the Bills exposed defensive weaknesses, but it didn’t derail their momentum, as they bounced back with wins over the Bears, 49ers, and Vikings to secure the top seed.
The playoff loss to the Commanders, however, was a gut punch. Despite their 15-2 record and home-field advantage, the Lions couldn’t overcome their mistakes and injuries. Head coach Dan Campbell’s words after the 2023 NFC Championship loss to the 49ers rang true: “It’ll be twice as hard to get back to this point next year.” The loss to the Commanders underscored the harsh reality of the NFL’s competitiveness, even for a team as talented as the Lions.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Lions?
As we reflect on who did the Lions lose to this season, it’s clear that the Lions remain a formidable team with a bright future. Alongside the majority of its key players, such as Goff, Gibbs, and St. Brown, returning in 2025, the Lions are well-positioned for another deep playoff run. However, challenges lie ahead, including potential coaching changes, as offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is a top candidate for head coaching jobs. Addressing defensive depth and maintaining offensive consistency will be key to answering who did the Lions lose to this season with fewer names in 2025.
Conclusion
The question who did the Lions lose to this season highlights both the highs and lows of the Detroit Lions’ remarkable 2024 campaign. They lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills in the regular season and suffered a heartbreaking playoff defeat to the Washington Commanders. These losses, while painful, don’t overshadow the Lions’ achievements: a 15-2 record, an undefeated road season, and a second straight NFC North title. The Lions’ journey in 2024 showcased their resilience, offensive firepower, and potential to be Super Bowl contenders. As they head into 2025, the lessons from these losses will fuel their drive to finally reach the Super Bowl, a goal that remains elusive for this storied franchise.
FAQs
1. Who did the Lions lose to this season in the regular season?
The Lions lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 (20-16) and the Buffalo Bills in Week 15 (48-42) during the 2024 regular season.
2. Who did the Lions lose to in the playoffs this season?
The Lions lost to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round on January 18, 2025, with a final score of 45-31.
3. Why did the Lions lose to the Commanders in the playoffs?
The Lions’ loss to the Commanders was due to a combination of factors, including four turnovers by Jared Goff, a depleted defense due to injuries, and a critical penalty for too many men on the field.
4. This season, how many games did the Lions lose?
The Lions lost a total of three games in the 2024 season: two in the regular season (Buccaneers and Bills) and one in the playoffs (Commanders).
5. What was the Lions’ record in the 2024 season?
With a 15-2 record at the end of the 2024 regular season, the Detroit Lions secured the top seed in the NFC and a first-round playoff berth.
