The Lions took their first loss after being beaten by the San Francisco 49ers 25–19, but the game was more notable for Jim Schwartz getting into an altercation with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh afterwards. The NFL decided not to punish either coach for the scuffle after deliberating on the matter. A second straight home loss followed as the Lions fell to the Atlanta Falcons 23–16. The following week, the Lions defeated the Denver Broncos on the road 45–10. The game included a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown by Chris Houston. In Week 10, the Lions failed to carry out a season sweep of the Bears as they lost 37–13.