Jon Kitna passed for 268 yards, Kevin Jones ran for 105 yards and a touchdown, and the Lions again showed they’re serious contenders in the NFC with a 16-7 victory over the Bears on Sunday.

With the strong start, Detroit is making a bid for its first playoff appearance since 1999. The Lions have endured six straight seasons with at least 10 losses and won just three games last year, coach Rod Marinelli’s first. But things are different now.

“This is uncharted territory for us,” center Dominic Raiola said. “I think Rod is going to keep us in there, keep us knowing that next week’s game (against Denver) is even bigger. We know what it means. … We need to keep it in perspective and got to keep that mind-set that every week is a big game.”

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