The Detroit Lions picked up their third and final win of the season in their Week 18 game against the Green Bay Packers. That's right, the Lions came out of the matchup victorious with a final score of 37-30. The high-scoring game was close up until the final quarter, but Detroit surprised Green Bay in their second meeting of the season. Back in Week 2, the Packers dominated the Lions 35-17 at the very beginning of their eight-game losing streak.

Of course, the Packers are going to the playoffs while the Lions are heading to the golf course — but this game meant something to Detroit. Let's take a look at the three biggest takeaways for the Lions following their surprising season finale.

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Lions Week 18 Takeaways

3. Anthony Lynn is not the answer

The Lions had one huge overarching takeaway from the entire season: insufficient production from the offense. The Lions' offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn was let go by the team following their final game of the season. He was just one of many casualties that came out of Black Monday, including Brian Flores, the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Although the Week 18 win did not specifically bring it up, it's definitely worth mentioning. There are great players on this Lions offense, the team just needs to find someone capable of calling plays that are cohesive with their talents.

2. But Jared Goff might be

Lynn may have gotten let go after only one season with Detroit, but it seems like Jared Goff is here to stay as the Lions' QB1. He should be, and here's why.

Of course, everyone saw the brutal season that the Lions had. They didn't even catch their first win until Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings. However, Goff has managed to lead his team to some pretty unbelievable victories in the second half of the season.

Take the Lions' Week 15 win over the Arizona Cardinals, for example. The Lions, who were originally crowned the worst team in the league, crushed the Cardinals, who reigned victorious for seven weeks straight to start the season. Goff threw for three touchdowns, 216 yards, and zero interceptions in the win.

If that's not enough for you, take a look at Week 18, because this game sealed the deal for me. Goff was able to lead his team to a great victory to end the season, and it was against the top team in the NFC. Sure, the Packers' starters didn't play for the entire game, but this game definitely says a lot about Goff's leadership abilities and his hunger to win games, regardless of what they mean on the stat sheet.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes talked about Goff's “resiliency” and “mental toughness” following the Week 18 season finale.

1. It's only up from here

Although the New York Jets ended their season with a brutal loss to the Buffalo Bills, I view the Lions' Week 18 win as a very similar situation to the Jets' final game. Both teams played high-quality, playoff-contending opponents, and both teams were well aware that they were playing their last games of the season.

Regardless of the outcome, both teams played to win. They started their starters, they did what they could, and they played to improve. The Lions can't fall much lower than their season record of 3-13-1 (I hope I don't jinx them), so it looks like a better season is on the horizon. Any team that plays to improve and plays until there's no time left on the clock is bound to be successful one way or another.