| Team: | Detroit Lions |
| Year: | 1972 |
| Record: | 8–5–1 |
| Division Place: | 2nd NFC Central |
| Coach: | Joe Schmidt |
| Playoffs: | Did not qualify |
| Shortnavlink: | Lions seasons |
The 1972 Detroit Lions season was their 43rd in the National Football League (NFL). The team improved on their previous season's output of 7–6–1, winning eight games.[1] The team missed the playoffs for the second straight season. It would also be the team's last winning season until 1980
Linebacker Wayne Walker established a new team record for games played at 200. It was also the final season for longtime defensive back Dick LeBeau.
See main article: 1972 NFL draft.
Notes
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Attendance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 17 | New York Giants | W 30–16 | ||
| 2 | September 24 | Minnesota Vikings | L 10-34 | ||
| 3 | October 1 | at Chicago Bears | W 38–24 | ||
| 4 | October 8 | at Atlanta Falcons | W 26–23 | ||
| 5 | October 16 | Green Bay Packers | L 23-24 | ||
| 6 | October 22 | San Diego Chargers | W 34–20 | ||
| 7 | October 30 | L 24-28 | |||
| 8 | November 5 | Chicago Bears | W 14–0 | ||
| 9 | November 12 | at Minnesota Vikings | L 14-16 | ||
| 10 | November 19 | New Orleans Saints | W 27–14 | ||
| 11 | November 23 | New York Jets | W 37–20 | ||
| 12 | December 3 | at Green Bay Packers | L 7-33 | ||
| 13 | December 10 | at Buffalo Bills | T 21–21 | ||
| 14 | December 17 | W 34–17 |
See also: 1972 Buffalo Bills season.