The Detroit Lions may have taken a gut punch against the Rams, but let’s not pretend the season is slipping away. In fact, the playoff picture is still very much alive, and if the Lions take care of business over the final three weeks, the rest of the NFC might want to start checking their mirrors.
That’s not hype. That’s not blind fandom.
That’s what the numbers are telling us.
According to the latest projections from the New York Times, Detroit’s playoff chances surge to 94% if they win out. Yes, the same Lions team that just pushed one of the NFC’s best to the wire is still holding nearly every card it needs to play meaningful football in January.
And the best part? Winning out is totally realistic.
The Schedule Sets Up Perfectly
Detroit closes the season with:
- Week 16: vs. Steelers
- Week 17: at Vikings
- Week 18: at Bears
Neither the Steelers nor the Vikings are playing particularly inspired football right now. The Lions, despite the injuries and inconsistency, are still the more complete roster than both of those teams. In fact, almost anyone would take the Lions current roster over what the Bears are marching out on a weekly basis.
You can feel it, even after a loss, that this team understands what’s at stake.
Win all three, and the Lions are nearly a lock to get in.
That’s why the simulations lean heavily in Detroit’s favor when they run the “win out” scenario. The Lions don’t need miracles, and they don’t need tiebreaker chaos. They just need to play their brand of football for three straight weeks.
Momentum Is Everything — and the Lions Can Build It Fast
Despite the loss to Los Angeles, the offense showed exactly why nobody wants to face Detroit in a Wild Card game. Jared Goff threw for 338 yards. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams both posted monster performances. The playmakers are playing like stars, and when Dan Campbell presses the gas pedal, this team can go blow-for-blow with anyone in the conference.
Defensively, things are not looking as great with Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch both out. Young players are gaining snaps, reinforcements are returning, and the coaching adjustments we’ve seen over the last month suggest this unit is capable of stabilizing at just the right time.
And historically?
Campbell teams finish strong. They don’t fade, they surge.
Imagine the Lions rolling into the postseason on a three-game win streak. Imagine this offense humming, the defense tightening up, and Detroit entering January as one of the hottest teams in football.
It’s not far-fetched.
It’s the most likely outcome if Detroit does what it’s capable of.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Count Out Detroit
The numbers say the Lions are still positioned to make the playoffs.
The remaining schedule gives them a clear path.
And the confidence inside that locker room hasn’t wavered for a second.
So, yes, if the Detroit Lions win out, which they absolutely can, then look out. This team isn’t just fighting for a playoff berth. They’re fighting to remind the NFC that last year was no fluke. The window is open, the opportunity is real, and Detroit is nowhere close to finished.
Don Drysdale
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