The Detroit Lions are enjoying a well-earned break during their bye week as the NFC’s No. 1 seed, a position they’ve reached after a dominant 15-2 regular season. With their first playoff game looming, head coach Dan Campbell is focusing on finding the perfect balance between rest and preparation.
A Strategic Rest Period
This marks the Lions’ first opportunity for meaningful rest since their early bye week in Week 5. Despite clinching the NFC North and securing the conference’s top spot, the team had to play at full intensity through the final game of the season, only locking up the division title with a win over the Minnesota Vikings. Campbell acknowledged the challenges of maintaining momentum while avoiding burnout:
“You don’t want to turn it off, but let’s just leave it in idle,” Campbell said.
This week, the Lions’ schedule reflects this mindset:
- Tuesday: Players reported to the facility.
- Wednesday: Full day off.
- Thursday: A brief, one-hour practice.
Avoiding Premature Game Planning
Instead of speculating about potential divisional-round opponents, Campbell has chosen to hold off on detailed preparations. He emphasized the futility of guessing, saying:
“I hate the thought of doing work on somebody you might not even play.”
The coaching staff will fully commit to game plans once their opponent is determined after Wild Card Weekend, ensuring their efforts are directed efficiently.
Key Players Returning
The bye week is especially critical for the Lions to address injuries. Updates include:
- David Montgomery: Expected to return after missing three games with a knee injury.
- Terrion Arnold (CB) and Kevin Zeitler (G): Both trending positively after sustaining injuries in the season finale, though their divisional-round availability remains uncertain.
Campbell expressed optimism, noting that initial fears about their injuries have eased.
Looking Ahead
The Lions’ ability to rest, recover, and refocus during the bye week will be pivotal as they prepare for a deep playoff run. With Campbell’s methodical approach and the team’s balance of experience and youth, Detroit is well-positioned to make a strong postseason push.