The Detroit Lions haven’t exactly been on a hot streak lately. After dropping three of their last five contests, they’ve slid out of the current NFC playoff field entirely.

Hard to believe, but if the postseason kicked off today, Detroit would be on the outside looking in. Still, there’s no reason for Lions fans to hit the panic button. There’s plenty of football left, and the situation is far from dire.

In fact, you could argue that Detroit is sitting in a surprisingly favorable position — even stronger than the NFC North–leading Chicago Bears.

Yes, you read that right.

Lions fans have every reason to enjoy the latest NFC playoff probabilities

A look at the newest postseason projections from the league’s official site paints an amusing picture.

Just outside the top group sit the Carolina Panthers with a 21% playoff chance, the Dallas Cowboys at only 7%, and the Minnesota Vikings clinging to 5%.

Poor Vikings.

But let’s shift back to the real headline here: Chicago.

Somehow, the Bears — currently atop the division — have worse playoff odds (58%) than the Lions, who sit at a healthy 74%.

And Bears fans haven’t stopped reminding the world that they’re in first place ever since Detroit’s recent loss to Philadelphia. But Chicago’s schedule is about to get brutal, and yes, it includes another meeting with the Lions.

Remember the last time Ben Johnson squared off against his former team?

Detroit hung 52 points on them.

Chicago still has to face Green Bay twice, plus the Eagles, 49ers, and of course the rematch with Detroit.

Even Cleveland’s defense, led by Myles Garrett, will be no cakewalk. And there’s a real chance the Bears could see the man who has tormented them for years — Aaron Rodgers — this weekend.

Meanwhile, Detroit’s road is much smoother. The Lions get Pittsburgh, which should be a victory, along with matchups against the Giants and Cowboys — both games they can absolutely win.

The Rams and Packers will be tougher opponents down the stretch, but the second game against Minnesota is entirely within reach.

When you add it all up, the league’s projections echo what many Lions fans already believe: Detroit has Chicago right where they want them.