"Matthew Stafford can read the opportunity on the wall as well as he has read and dissected defenses in a breakout season that established him as the Lions' franchise quarterback.

Making the playoffs for the first time since 1999 was a big step for Stafford and the Lions, but Stafford knows full well there are bigger steps ahead.

The Lions' 10-5 record going into Sunday's final regular-season game at Green Bay validates the value of what the Lions have accomplished as a team more than any individual honors can."