The Lions have to be hoping that the overtime changes for the 2010 playoffs will affect them. Of course, that would mean the Lions would make the playoffs. Even though they have made quality signings and trades this offseason, the playoffs remain a remote possibility.

The change was made at the NFL owners meeting this week in Orlando. The vote was taken while the coaches, many who were opposed to it, were playing in their annual golf outing.

The rule seems to make sense and diminishes the importance of the coin flip.

Now in overtime a team can no longer win by kicking a field goal on the first drive. If they do, the opponent gets a chance to kick a field goal to tie it, or to score a touchdown to win it. If a team scores a touchdown on the first drive, that team wins.