Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is having fun.
With a 10-1 record targeting the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed, the Lions enter Thursday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears (4-7) having won nine straight for the first time in nine decades. Campbell’s personality certainly has rubbed off since his hiring in 2021.
The Lions remain the lone NFC franchise without a Super Bowl appearance.
These are good times for long-suffering Lions fans. Campbell understands and embraces the nuances of building a sustainable locker-room culture. Part of his philosophy relies on having a good time.
Take Jahmyr Gibbs’ touchdown celebration from last Sunday’s 24-6 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The second-year running back recreated an iconic NBA Finals moment: Philadelphia 76ers’ Allen Iverson’s crossover/step-back/stepover move he made in 2001 against a sprawling Ty Lue of the Los Angeles Lakers. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown emphatically played the role of Lue.
The Lions look connected.
In the locker room after the road win over the Colts, Campbell spoke to the team and asked if anyone had experienced a nine-game winning streak in the NFL?
Only one player raised his hand.
“Yeah. That’s sayin’ something. It’s rare, alright?,” Campbell said, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. “We are in rare air right now, alright?”
The defending NFC North division champions hold a one-game lead over the Minnesota Vikings (9-2). The Lions have not earned back-to-back division titles since 1952 and ‘53.
“So we’re doing somethin’ special, which we knew we would,” Cambell said.
Clearly, the Lions are having fun as Campbell (+175) remains the favorite to win the NFL Coach of the Year award, according to BetOnline Sportsbook.
The Lions have not won on Thanksgiving since 2016. Dan Campbell was asked if snapping that skid is part of his message to the team.
"It's more so, man, a division opponent at home, the next one in front of us. More so than don't want to lose the Thanksgiving game," he said. pic.twitter.com/cmFl25IWlu
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) November 26, 2024
Lions’ Frank Ragnow Tired Of Turkey Day Outcomes
Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends at Frank Ragnow’s residence hasn’t always been an overwhelmingly pleasant experience.
With the Lions enduring a seven-game Thanksgiving losing streak, Ragnow, a 2018 first-round draft pick, has yet to experience a win following their annual holiday showcase event at Ford Field.
“Usually, in the past years, it’s been like don’t really want to talk to my family, all upset about everything,” Ragnow said, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. “So I’d really like to enjoy Thanksgiving. And put on a show for the crowd cause it’s a unique environment and we don’t take it for granted. It’s a special, special game and it’d be really nice to get a W.”
The Lions (10-1), winners of nine straight, opened the week as 10-point favorites over the Bears (4-7), according to BetOnline Sportsbook.
The @Lions playing on every Thanksgiving is a tradition that has been around for many generations of Michigan families.
Tom Rinaldi with the story of why it means so much to one family in particular: The Stefanski's. pic.twitter.com/xFGQCjUyvW
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 23, 2023
NFL Coach Of The Year Odds
Here is an early look at the odds for NFL Coach of the Year honor, according to BetOnline Sportsbook:
| Name |
NFL Coach of the Year Odds |
|---|---|
| Dan Campbell | +175 |
| Kevin O’Connell | +325 |
| Jim Harbaugh | +450 |
| Sean Payton | +600 |
| Mike Tomlin | +650 |
| Jonathan Gannon | +1200 |
| Matt Lafleur | +1600 |
| Dan Quinn | +1600 |
| Andy Reid | +2500 |
| Mike MacDonald | +2800 |
| Sean McDermott | +4000 |
| Raheem Morris | +6600 |
| Todd Bowles | +6600 |
| Nick Sirianni | +7500 |
| Mike McDaniel | +10000 |
| John Harbaugh | +15000 |
*-Odds current at time of publication
