The Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins are both out of playoff contention, but there is a good chance that only one team will feel it has nothing to play for on Sunday when they meet in South Florida.
The Lions (4-10) have won two straight, both against teams fighting for their playoff lives. Detroit knocked off the Green Bay Packers two weeks ago and are coming off a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The win at Tampa Bay, which came in overtime on a field goal by Dave Rayner, ended the longest road skid in NFL history at 26 games. Prior to that triumph, the last time the Lions won on the road was Oct. 28, 2007 with a 16-7 victory at the division-rival Chicago Bears.
Now, the Lions are looking for both their second road win and second victory in Florida in a row. They are also trying to build toward the future.
Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh leads NFL rookies in sacks with eight and looks like he will be a force up front for the Lions for years to come.
With young stars and an aggressive attitude, coach Jim Schwartz is changing the culture of losing that has recently epitomized football in the Motor City.
About the only question facing the Lions going forward is at quarterback - and the same holds true this week.
Drew Stanton led the Lions to their last two wins, but Shaun Hill has been taking snaps with the first team offense this week in practice. Although Hill appears that he may get the start, Schwartz has said he won’t make a decision until Sunday.
While Detroit is excited about its future, Miami can only lament its present.
The Dolphins (7-7) are a mindboggling 1-6 at home while going 6-1 on the road. A win in New Jersey against the New York Jets two weeks ago had Miami thinking playoffs, only to have those hopes dashed with a lackluster 17-14 home loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday.
In its last three home games, Miami has scored just two touchdowns and 24 points. The Dolphins’ lone home win came against the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 24.
The Dolphins lead the series with the Lions, 7-2, including five straight dating to a 1991 loss at Detroit. The last meeting came in 2006, with Miami emerging with a 27-10 win. The last meeting in Miami came in 2002, with a 49-21 Dolphins' win in the season opener.
Detroit has not won in Miami in four tries.