ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions' bandwagon lost some passengers recently.

Detroit had a rough outing against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, resulting in a 37-13 loss.

It was Detroit's worst defeat this season. The Lions had six turnovers. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw four interceptions, then revealed after the game he had a fractured finger. The loss was Detroit's third in its past four games.

Many people are questioning if Detroit is a legitimate playoff contender. Some people wonder if the first five wins this season were a mirage. Skeptics believe this year's team is no different from previous Lions squads.

It was just one game.

Yes, it was a bad game, but even teams that win Super Bowls have lost games like Detroit did before hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were 2008 Super Bowl champions. Pittsburgh also lost to Tennessee, 31-14, that season.

The New York Giants were 2007 Super Bowl champions. The Giants, who advanced to the playoffs as a wild-card team, had humbling losses against Green Bay (35-13) and Minnesota (41-17) that year.

The Indianapolis Colts were 2006 Super Bowl champions. The Colts were defeated by Jacksonville 44-17 in that regular season.

The Steelers were Super Bowl champions in 2005. Pittsburgh was a wild-card team, and lost to Indianapolis 26-7 that season.

The New England Patriots were Super Bowl champions in 2003. The Patriots lost to Buffalo 31-0 before making a Super Bowl run.

This does not mean Detroit is on pace to become Super Bowl champs.

It just means the Lions' success this season should not be discarded so quickly.

If Detroit finishes its final seven games with a 4-3 record, it could make the playoffs as a 10-6 wild-card team.

The Lions have winnable games remaining against Carolina and Minnesota, which could give them eight victories. While New Orleans is tough, the Saints were defeated by Tampa Bay this season. San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers has thrown more interceptions (15) than touchdowns (13). Oakland has losses against Kansas City (28-0) and Denver (38-24).

Green Bay?

Let's not go that far.

Detroit needs to rebound this week with a win against Carolina. Assuming that happens, the Lions are back where they need to be.

If Detroit makes the playoffs this season, the loss against Chicago will be placed in its proper perspective.

It was just one game.

Team must run better

Detroit really could use running back Jahvid Best to make its playoff run.

Best has missed Detroit's past three games since sustaining a concussion against San Francisco. Without Best, Detroit is 1-2, and the team's rushing offense is ranked 27th in the NFL.

"Mikel Leshoure practiced for a week in training camp. Can't even comment on that," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "Jahvid had a good game against these guys (Chicago) in the first game, but this was a totally different circumstance. We have 53 guys on the roster, 46 active on game day, and those are the guys we have. Those are the only guys we're really worried about."