Historically, players who are featured on the cover of the “Madden NFL” franchise experience significant drops in their offensive production. NFL.com is tracking the performance of Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions over the course of the 2012 season because we believe Johnson will debunk the Madden curse.

The Detroit Lions, last in the NFC North and rapidly following out of the playoff race, faced a must-win game against division rival Green Bay Packers.

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Megatron needed a big game.

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FIRST QUARTER
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Late in the first quarter, a failed fourth down conversion by the Green Bay Packers leads to this big play by Calvin Johnson. Cue tape!

The Detroit Lions are in the red zone with Matt Stafford‘s 53-yard pass to Megatron.

Kicker Jason Hanson gives the team their first points of the game.

3-0, Detroit.

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SECOND QUARTER
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Green Bay tight end Jermichael Finley is left wide open and like any good football player, finds the end zone. Touchdown.

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

3-7, Packers.

But all is well for the Lions thanks to this guy.

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

2 catches combined for 55 yards sets up this touchdown run by Mikel Leshoure.

10-7, Detroit.

With under 3:00 minutes to go in the half, the Lions are in field goal range, but  Casey Hayward picks off Matt Stafford and ends their opportunity to extend their lead.

The Packers get the ball back, but Aaron Rodgers promptly gives it back with this interception by Detroit cornerback Jacob Lacey.

On the next Lions possession, Stafford is stripped and fumbles the ball.

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Barely within field goal range, Nick Fairly sacks Aaron Rodgers.

Duane Burleson/Associated Press

A long, but not impossible field goal attempt by Mason Crosby goes wide.

Duane Burleson/Associated Press

Calvin Johnson‘s stats at the half: 3 receptions for 88 yards.

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THIRD QUARTER
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The defensive battle continues.

Nick Fairly picks up his second sack of the game and forces Rodgers to fumble, but the ball is recovered by the Packers. Green Bay turns over the ball on downs.

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

A pass off the hands of Tony Scheffler ends up in M.D. Jennings’ hands. The Green Bay Packers safety returns it 71-yards for a touchdown.

10-14, Packers

Late in the quarter, the Lions cap off a 10-play drive with a 2nd and 20 touchdown pass to Megatron.

Megatron snags this one out of the air. His 3rd touchdown of the season.

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

17-14, Lions

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FOURTH QUARTER
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Mason Crosby misses his second field goal of the game and a chance to tie.

Two big time catches sets up another scoring opportunity for Detroit.

Matt Stafford connects to Ryan Broyles for 27-yards.

And then throws another 20+ yard pass to Titus Young. 

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

But the Packers defense holds them to a field goal to keep it a one possession game.

20-14, Lions

On the 6th play of the following drive, Aaron Rodgers throws a 22-yard touchdown pass to Randall Cobb.

Packers now lead by 1, but with 1:55 left on the clock, the Lions still have a chance.

The Packers defense steps it up and breaks a pass intended for Tony Scheffler on 4th and 15th. Game over.

Crosby ends his field goal slump with a successful 39-yard attempt. The Packers win, 24-20.

Calvin Johnson finishes the game with 5 receptions, 143 yards and one touchdown.

With a Week 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Lions are now standing at 4-6. Playoff hopes continue to dwindle for the Lions, but there is plenty of football left to play.

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