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Lions Notes: The Wait Is Almost Over!

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  • Game day has finally arrived. For the first time since 1999, the Detroit Lions will play in a playoff game tonight. Hopefully, for the first time in almost exactly 20 years, the Lions will pick up their first playoff victory.
  • Remember: There are different rules for overtime in the playoffs.
  • The referee for today's game against the Saints will be Tony Corrente, who officiated the Lions/Chiefs game earlier this season. Let's hope this is the only time he needs to be mentioned today.
  • Shaun Hill hasn't thought too much about where he will be playing next season. His contract is up after this season, and although he said he would like to return, a new contract isn't on his mind right now.
  • Matthew Stafford was interviewed at a Pistons game earlier this week.
  • Jim Schwartz said the Lions added Joique Bell because they think he can contribute at running back in the future, not to provide insight into the Saints.
  • Football Outsiders projects the franchise tag for defensive ends to be around $10.595-$11.002 million.
  • Dominic Raiola wasn't thrilled that Jim Harbaugh said earlier this week that the 49ers are preparing more for the Saints. If New Orleans wins, San Francisco will take on the Saints. If the Lions win, the 49ers will draw the Giants or Falcons. Personally, I didn't have a big issue with what Harbaugh said simply because he noted that the "greater share" of the preparation is for New Orleans. That makes sense given that the odds do favor a matchup with New Orleans. Obviously the hope is the Lions will throw a wrench in Harbaugh's plans.
  • Packers linebacker Erik Walden was fined $15,000 for his late hit on Matthew Stafford last week.
  • It's amazing how many starters on the 2008 Lions team aren't even playing football anymore.
  • The Bears' new offensive coordinator is Mike Tice.

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