They were attempting to become the first team to win three consecutive league titles in the championship game era ( since 1933 ) .
The Lions won the previous two : 17 -- 7 at Cleveland in 1952 and 17 -- 16 at home in Briggs Stadium in 1953 .
Lions were attempting to become the first team to win three consecutive league titles in the championship game era ( since 1933 ) .
The Lions won the previous two : 17 -- 7 at Cleveland in 1952 and 17 -- 16 at home in Briggs Stadium in 1953 .