The Detroit Lions ended a 32-year run without an NFL playoff victory by edging past the Los Angeles Rams 24-23 in their NFC Wild Card battle at Ford Field.
Not since 1991 had the Michigan outfit triumphed in a post-season contest, but thanks to an explosive start, the NFC North winners lifted that hoodoo to advance to the divisional round.
David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs both registered in the end zone for the Lions during a statement first quarter, before Matthew Stafford threw for two touchdowns in the third quarter to cut the deficit down to four.
Brett Maher's field goal put the Rams within touching distance of the Lions in the fourth quarter, but Dan Campbell's defence held firm to ensure that their side's historic post-season losing run would finally be snapped.
Either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Philadelphia Eagles will tackle the Lions in the divisional round, while in the other NFC battle, the Packers came out on top against the Dallas Cowboys in a frenetic contest.
Matt LaFleur's outfit survived a late surge from their hosts to triumph 48-32 in a contest where Jordan Love threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns, thus ending the Cowboys' remarkable 16-game winning streak at AT&T Stadium.
The Packers now gear up for an intriguing battle with top seed San Francisco 49ers for the chance to compete for NFC Championship glory and a spot at Super Bowl LVIII. body check tags ::
