The Detroit Lions dominated the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at Ford Field to move to 8-8 on the season, and the rest of the games that could impact the Lions’ playoff chances are now a wrap. The Lions did get some help from the Washington Commanders earlier in the day, but the Seattle Seahawks did not cooperate in the nightcap. As it stands, the Lions are currently on the outside looking in, but there are still a couple of scenarios where they could find their way into the playoffs.
What are the 2 scenarios for the Detroit Lions to clinch a playoff spot?
First, let’s look at the current wild card standings in the NFC:
Wild Card race (top three advance)
- Dallas Cowboys (12-4) (Clinched and Currently No. 5 seed)
- New York Giants (9-6-1) (Clinched and Currently No. 6 seed)
- Seattle Seahawks (8-8) (Currently No. 7 seed)
- Detroit Lions (8-8)
- Green Bay Packers (8-8)
In order for the Lions to earn the No. 7 seed in the NFC, one of the following two scenarios must happen.
- Beat the Green Bay Packers AND have the Seattle Seahawks either lose to or tie the Los Angeles Rams
- Tie the Green Bay Packers AND have the Seattle Seahawks lose to the Rams
If the Packers win against the Lions in Week 18, they clinch a spot in the playoffs. (We REALLY do not want that to happen)
