The Detroit Lions’ playoff chances received a major boost after the Green Bay Packers defeated the Chicago Bears 28–21 in Week 14 of the NFL season. Coming off a crucial win over the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit now sits firmly in the middle of the NFC playoff race with momentum heading into a pivotal stretch of the season.

According to the New York Times playoff simulator, the Lions’ postseason odds jumped to 44% following Green Bay’s victory. If the Bears had won, Detroit’s chances would have dropped to 40%, showing just how tight the playoff picture has become in the NFC.

Packers-Bears Result Impacts NFC North Race

With Green Bay now sitting atop the NFC North standings, the Lions’ best path to the playoffs no longer centers on winning the division. After being swept by the Packers, Detroit’s most realistic route is to overtake the Bears for a wild-card spot.

That means Lions fans should root for the Packers to complete a sweep over Chicago when the teams meet again in two weeks. For Detroit to win the NFC North, they would need to finish two games ahead of Green Bay over the final four games — a scenario that is possible but unlikely.

Remaining Schedule Favors a Bears Collapse

Chicago’s remaining schedule is challenging, with games against:

Cleveland Browns

Green Bay Packers

San Francisco 49ers

Detroit Lions

The Bears currently hold a one-game lead over Detroit and own the seventh seed, but they already lost once to the Lions. A decisive Week 18 showdown in Chicago could determine which team earns a playoff spot.

The San Francisco 49ers also sit one game ahead of Detroit and own the conference tiebreaker advantage. The Bears vs. 49ers matchup carries an estimated 11% swing in Detroit’s playoff odds, with a San Francisco win helping the Lions’ chances.

Rams Game Could Define Lions’ Season

The Los Angeles Rams (10–3) currently hold the top seed in the NFC after a dominant win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Lions now trail the Rams by two games and face them next week in a must-win matchup.

A Detroit win over the Rams would raise the Lions’ playoff odds to 66%, while a loss would drop them to 35%, making this one of the most important games of the season.

Updated NFC Playoff Standings

Here is the current NFC playoff picture:

1. Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
2. Green Bay Packers (9-3-1)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)

Wild Card:

Seattle Seahawks (10-3)

San Francisco 49ers (9-4)

Chicago Bears (9-4)

In the Hunt:

Detroit Lions (8-5)

Carolina Panthers (7-6)

Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)

Lions’ Best Path to the Playoffs

The clearest path for the Detroit Lions to make the playoffs is jumping the Bears in the standings. If Detroit wins out, it would secure the tiebreaker advantage over Chicago and likely clinch a wild-card spot. Even a 3–1 finish over the final stretch could be enough if Chicago drops at least one of its remaining games.

With everything tightening in the NFC, the Lions still control their destiny — but every game from here on out is critical.