When the Detroit Lions were defeated by the Minnesota Vikings on Thanksgiving Day they not only had a nail put in their “NFC North Title” coffin, but they also hurt their chances of qualifying for the NFL Playoffs.
With the loss, the Lions (6-5) may have to win their final five games of the season just to earn an NFC Wild Card bid. Even if they are able to accomplish that feat, the playoffs are not a lock as Detroit has already dropped key games against the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers, who all sit above the Lions in the NFC standings.
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Despite having a few extra days of rest since they played last Thursday, the Lions initial Week 13 injury report filled up with some key players as they prepare for their matchup against the Baltimore Ravens this coming Sunday.
As you can see below, Ameer Abdullah (neck), Jamal Agnew (knee), Dwight Freeney (NIR), T.J. Lang (foot), Travis Swanson (knee), Matthew Stafford (ankle), and Dwayne Washington (hip) all appear on the Lions initial injury list.
If the Lions truly want to make a run at the NFL Playoffs, it all begins with beating the Ravens on Sunday afternoon. A loss would all but guarantee that Detroit would be watching the playoffs from home.
BONUS CONTENT:
2 NFC teams Detroit Lions fans should be rooting hard against
Of course, for the Detroit Lions (6-5) and their fans, only the NFC really matters, and at this point, they are on the outside looking in.
Here are the NFC standings through Week 12.
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