The Detroit Lions are locked in on a must-win Week 16 matchup against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, December 21, at Ford Field. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Lions have zero margin for error.

If Detroit loses this game—or any remaining game—their 2025 NFL playoff hopes are effectively over. Every snap from here on out is win-or-go-home.

But beyond saving their own season, the Lions also have a chance to disrupt the postseason plans of former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and NFC North rivals, the Chicago Bears.

Ben Johnson, Bears Sitting Pretty — For Now

Ben Johnson, who served as the Lions’ offensive coordinator before taking the head coaching job in Chicago last offseason, has wasted no time turning the Bears into contenders.

Entering Week 16, the Chicago Bears lead the NFC North at 10-4 and hold a 79% chance of making the playoffs, according to NFL research. By comparison, the Lions sit at 35%, making Sunday’s matchup absolutely critical.

Still, despite the gap in odds, Detroit controls one of the biggest swing scenarios in the NFC playoff picture.

How the Lions Can Block the Bears in Week 16

The Bears can clinch a playoff berth this weekend under the following scenarios:

Chicago defeats the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, December 20, and

The Lions lose or tie against the Steelers on Sunday

The Bears would also clinch if:

They tie Green Bay, and

Detroit loses to Pittsburgh

That’s where Detroit comes in.

👉 If the Lions simply win on Sunday, the Bears cannot clinch a playoff spot in Week 16.

It’s pure math—and Detroit is the only team that can prevent Chicago from celebrating early.

Lions Can Also Spoil the Packers’ Playoff Path

The chaos doesn’t stop with the Bears.

The Green Bay Packers can clinch a playoff berth this weekend if:

They win, and the Lions lose or tie, or

They tie, and Detroit loses

Once again, a Lions win throws cold water on Green Bay’s plans, keeping both division rivals waiting another week.

What’s at Stake for Detroit

The Lions’ playoff odds paint a clear picture of just how massive this game is:

Current playoff odds: 35%

With a win vs. Steelers: 45%

With a loss: 14% (effectively season-ending)

A victory not only keeps Detroit alive—it delays playoff celebrations for both the Bears and Packers, adding extra motivation for the Motor City faithful.

Final Thoughts

With the postseason approaching, Week 16 is shaping up to be one of the most important games of the Lions’ season. Detroit can keep its own hopes alive while playing spoiler to two NFC North rivals—one of whom is led by a familiar face.

That’s about as much drama as the NFL can offer in December.

As the playoff race tightens, all eyes will be on Ford Field.