"Three weeks ago, Kevin Smith was rubbish on the NFL scrap heap, an injury-prone running back with too little tread on his tires to warrant a second chance.

After a career day Sunday, Smith is the reason the Lions still have playoff hopes.

Smith gave a much-needed boost to a nonexistent ground game, rushing for 140 yards and scoring three touchdowns as the Lions overcame a 17-point second-quarter deficit to beat the Panthers at Ford Field, 49-35.

With six games remaining, the Lions (7-3) are tied with the Bears for the NFC wild-card lead, a game ahead of the Cowboys and Falcons."