"Start with a subplot.

Who had Matthew Stafford getting to Game 13 without missing a start? Outside of the coaching staff and Stafford himself, probably not too many.

Stafford, who started just 13 games in his first two seasons combined, will make his 13th straight start against the Vikings on Sunday.

"I never had any concerns of myself," Stafford said Wednesday when asked if he felt he'd beaten the "fragile" tag. "You guys can answer that question. I am just where I expected to be — healthy and ready to go this week."

He's fought through an ankle injury and a fractured index finger on his throwing hand. He's also fought through a few erratic weeks. Through it all, he's on a pace to record the most productive season any Lions quarterback has ever had."