"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.

"Yeah, and I think we have more to do, too," Stafford said. "As far as the regular season, after this Sunday, whether we're 10-6 or 11-5, that's a good rebound from where we were a couple years ago.

"I think that's just kind of the beginning of it. We're looking forward to playing in the postseason and getting after it a little bit."

The Lions can stand on their record — for now. Moving forward, they'll be judged by how they perform in the playoffs.

"It's pretty simple," Stafford said. "Win or go home. You've got to play well, especially at quarterback. That's when guys separate themselves and play good or don't play so well."

One indication of how different this season is from previous years in the Lost Decade: The Lions are playing for playoff position, not draft position, in Green Bay."