After having last season cut short by a broken leg, the Lions’ top edge rusher has returned in dominant form. Hutchinson has already posted 7.5 sacks and is tied for the league lead with four forced fumbles, showcasing his knack for punching the ball out, chasing down quarterbacks, and creating pressure in any way possible. Despite Detroit not adding another premier pass rusher next to him this past offseason or at the trade deadline, he remains confident in where the team stands heading into a pivotal stretch.

Speaking to reporters before Week 12, Hutchinson said he’s embracing the skepticism around the Lions.

“We’re sitting at 6-4, and it feels like people have counted us out a bit. Honestly, I like being in that position. I’m fired up. These next three home games are huge, and we need to take all of them. That starts with New York on Sunday.”

Hutchinson tuning out the noise before critical three-game homestand

Detroit will face the Giants, Packers (on Thanksgiving), and Cowboys in consecutive weeks — all NFC opponents, though only Green Bay is a division rival. The key advantage: each matchup will be at Ford Field, giving the Lions a much-needed boost as they navigate a demanding schedule.

Hutchinson also noted that getting Marcus Davenport back on the field should make a tangible difference for the defense.

“It’s awesome to have him out there again. We were messing around a bit in practice. We’ve built a strong bond. He’s a game-changer for us, and once he’s fully back, I’m confident he’ll stay healthy. I’m putting that into the universe,” Hutchinson said.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Detroit enters Week 12 with a 74% chance to reach the playoffs. A win would elevate that probability to around 80%; a loss would push it down to roughly 56%. That swing puts extra weight on Sunday’s matchup, especially as they try to stay ahead of teams like the Panthers in postseason projections.

Davenport has struggled with injuries throughout his career and went down earlier this year while finishing a sack, but his return adds needed depth as Detroit prepares for opponents with strong pass-rush talent. Micah Parsons — the standout of the group — will pose a major challenge, and the Lions’ offensive line will play a critical role in determining whether Detroit can sweep this homestand.

If Detroit can hold up in the trenches on both sides of the ball, their goal of going 3-0 over the next three weeks becomes far more attainable.