With only three games left in the season, the Detroit Lions’ playoff chances are hanging by a thread. It is now or never for the Lions. Needless to say, their margin for error is now zero. They must win all of their remaining games.
The only realistic shot the Lions have at reaching the playoffs is to surpass the Chicago Bears. The hole the Lions have dug for themselves makes catching anyone else ahead of them almost impossible. The Bears currently have a 2.5-game lead over the Lions (after the Bears beat the Packers on Saturday), but the Lions have already beaten Chicago. Doing so again would guarantee the Lions the tiebreaker over them.
Detroit Lions Playoff Chances Hanging By A Thread
A season that started with such excitement and high expectations for the Lions is now in dire straits. They have to run the table over the next three weeks and hope Chicago loses at least one of their next two games, either this week versus the Packers or next week at the 49ers, to set up a “win, and you’re in” game between the two teams in Week 18. A loss is very possible for the Bears, but the Lions can only control winning their own games.
Week 16 vs Steelers
Step one for Detroit is winning this week in what will be their final home game of the season. Coming to town will be the Pittsburgh Steelers and familiar foe, Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers are on a mini roll, having won their last two games to take control of the AFC North. They still have a lot to play for, and we all know Rodgers would love to drive the final nail into the coffin of the Lions’ season.
The Lions haven’t lost two games in a row in over three years. They will need to keep that streak going for another week to stay in the playoff hunt. The Steelers are a good team. The Lions will be hungry, desperate, and at home. Give them a slight edge this week.
Week 17 at Minnesota
If the Lions take care of business against Pittsburgh, they will have to continue winning at Minnesota on Christmas Day. The Vikings have already been eliminated from the playoffs, but they would love to end the Lions’ postseason hopes. Call it payback for the Lions embarrassing them in Week 18 last year, with the NFC North and number-one seed on the line. Minnesota beat the Lions in Detroit earlier this year, so they will enter this game with a ton of confidence. The Lions are the better team, but divisional games are always tough, no matter the teams’ records. It will be difficult to go into a hostile environment, both on a short week and on Christmas, and come out with a win. If the Lions want a shot at their first-ever Super Bowl, they simply have to find a way to win.
Week 18 at Chicago
If they can come out of these next two games with wins, assuming Chicago loses at least one of their next two games, it will set up another season finale with all eyes on the Lions. They’d have to go into the frigid January weather in Chicago, against Ben Johnson, and do whatever it takes to walk away victorious. The path to the playoffs for Detroit is difficult, but it is right in front of them. The Lions just can’t afford any more missteps.
The post Detroit Lions Playoff Chances Hanging By A Thread appeared first on Last Word on NFL.