1982 Detroit Lions season

The 1982 Detroit Lions season was the 53rd season in franchise history. A NFL players strike shortened the regular season to nine games. The Lions qualified for their first postseason appearance since 1970. The NFL changed the playoffs due to the strike. The Lions became one of only three teams to ever qualify for the playoffs despite having a losing record. The Lions and the 1982 Cleveland Browns are the only two teams with a losing record to qualify as wildcards. In 2010, the Seattle Seahawks became the third team with a losing record to qualify for the playoffs and the first team to win a division title with a losing record. The Lions lost to the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium in the first round of the playoffs.

Standings
Due to the strike, the NFL adopted a 16 team tournament for the post-season. The top eight teams from each conference made the playoffs.

Playoffs
The Redskins jumped to a 24–0 lead en route to a 31–7 victory over the Lions.

Awards and records
Regular Season record
 * First team with a losing record (4-5, .444) to qualify for the playoffs. Shared with Cleveland Browns
 * Worst regular season record (4-5, .444) to qualify for the playoffs. Shared with Cleveland Browns until replaced by the 2010 Seattle Seahawks (7-9, .438).