Missing playoffs, Lions fall short of expectations and preseason predictions

By missing the NFL playoffs, the Detroit Lions did not meet their expectations or preseason predictions.

Detroit's disappointing season ended with a 19-16 win against the NFC North champion Chicago Bears on the road Sunday, sweeping a series that showed what Dan Campbell's team was capable of during an uneven season.

"We fell short this year," Campbell said Monday. "We all acknowledge that."

The Lions (9-8) started strong, routing the Bears 52-21 in Week 2 and scoring 34-plus...