Detroit Lions fans were glued to their screens Saturday night as the Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers in a dramatic overtime finish. While the result wasn’t ideal for Detroit, it significantly reshaped the NFL playoff picture—and not necessarily in a fatal way.
According to the New York Times playoff simulator, the Lions’ postseason odds dipped to 26% following the Bears’ win. That number may look concerning, but the reality is this: Detroit is still very much alive in the NFL playoff race. In fact, there are multiple realistic paths that can land the Lions in the postseason.
Below are five clear playoff scenarios that would put the Detroit Lions back in the NFL playoffs.
- Lions Win Out, Packers Lose Once, Bears Collapse
Best-case scenario for Detroit
If the Lions win their final three games, the Packers lose either to the Baltimore Ravens or Minnesota Vikings, and the Bears lose out, Detroit doesn’t just qualify—they win the NFC North.
This scenario requires Detroit to take full control while division rivals fall apart late. It’s ambitious, but it’s still on the table.
- Lions Win Out and 49ers Lose Out
Wild-card help from the NFC West
If Detroit finishes 3–0 and the San Francisco 49ers lose all three remaining games (at Colts, vs Bears, vs Seahawks), the Lions would leapfrog them in the wild-card standings.
This path emphasizes one key point: Detroit just needs to keep winning and let the chaos unfold elsewhere.
- Lions Win Out and Packers Lose One More Game
Clean and simple
If the Lions go 3–0 and Green Bay drops just one more game—either against Baltimore or Minnesota—Detroit stays ahead in the playoff race.
No total collapse required. Just one Packers stumble paired with Lions consistency.
- Lions Win Out and Bears Lose to the 49ers
Tiebreaker scenario
Chicago still plays a major role. If Detroit wins out and the Bears lose to San Francisco, that loss creates enough separation for the Lions to move ahead via head-to-head and division tiebreakers, assuming Detroit beats Chicago in Week 18.
- Lions Finish 2–1 and Packers Lose Twice
The narrow path
If Detroit goes 2–1 over its final three games and Green Bay loses to both the Ravens and Vikings, the Lions can still sneak into the playoffs.
It’s tight—but late-season NFL football is rarely predictable.
Final Takeaway: Detroit Controls Its Fate
Here’s the reality:
If the Lions win out: 92% chance to make the playoffs
If they lose one game: Odds drop to 24%
Saturday night hurt—but it didn’t end the season. The Detroit Lions are still in the hunt. Win games, apply pressure, and let the NFC North feel it.
