The Detroit Lions’ late-season surge that defined recent years has slowed, but wide receiver Jameson Williams says the team hasn’t lost belief in its postseason chances.
After reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2023 and posting an NFC-best 15-2 record in 2024, the Lions now sit at 8-7 with two games remaining in the 2025 regular season. While Detroit no longer controls its own destiny, Williams insists the locker room remains confident.
“Nobody’s disappointed,” Williams said. “Everybody’s head is high. We still got a chance. Nobody ain’t in there with a sad face. We still feel like we got a shot at this.”
Lions’ Playoff Path: What Needs to Happen
Detroit currently sits as the first team outside the NFC playoff picture. To qualify for the postseason, the Lions must:
Win their final two games
Have the Green Bay Packers lose their final two games
The Lions face the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day at U.S. Bank Stadium before closing the regular season against the Chicago Bears on Jan. 4. Meanwhile, the Packers will play the Baltimore Ravens and then the Vikings, creating a narrow but realistic path for Detroit.
Close Losses Have Defined Detroit’s Slide
The Lions became fringe playoff contenders after losing five of their last eight games, with every loss decided by seven points or fewer. Detroit also suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since 2022, falling to the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers in consecutive weeks.
Against Pittsburgh, Detroit had two late touchdowns wiped out by offensive pass interference penalties, a moment that could have swung the game.
“It’s all a part of the game,” Williams said. “We just got to focus on keeping our details together and playing the right game.”
Jameson Williams’ Breakout Season
In his fourth NFL season, the former Alabama All-American is enjoying his most productive year yet:
57 receptions
1,006 receiving yards
7 touchdowns
Williams believes execution — not effort — is the key to getting back on track.
“We just got to execute,” he said. “We got to play our ball and get back to playing Detroit Lions football.”
Lions-Vikings Headlines NFL Christmas Tripleheader
The Lions-Vikings matchup is part of the NFL’s Christmas Day tripleheader:
Cowboys vs. Commanders (Noon ET, Netflix)
Lions vs. Vikings (3:30 p.m. CST, Netflix)
Broncos vs. Chiefs (7:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
Despite the spotlight, Williams admitted he’s not thrilled about playing on the holiday — especially on the road.
“It’s a bummer,” Williams said. “I think it would be better if we had a home game, but we away, so it sucks.”
