After back-to-back successful seasons, the Detroit Lions’ playoff hopes in 2025 have taken an unexpected turn. Once viewed as an emerging NFC powerhouse, Detroit has struggled to maintain consistency, largely due to major coaching changes.
The offseason departures of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn created noticeable gaps in the team’s identity. The offense, in particular, has failed to regain its rhythm following Johnson’s exit.
Despite expectations that the Lions’ talent would carry the unit forward, head coach Dan Campbell was forced to step in and take over play-calling duties from OC John Morton. Even with Campbell’s involvement, Detroit’s offense continues to search for consistency heading into the final stretch of the season.
Lions Keep Playoff Hopes Alive With Week 14 Win
The Lions picked up a crucial Week 14 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, keeping their postseason hopes alive. Now, Detroit travels to Los Angeles for a pivotal Week 15 matchup against the Rams and former quarterback Matthew Stafford.
With only three games remaining, every outcome will significantly impact the Lions playoff picture.
Lions Playoff Picture Entering Week 15
Despite their Week 14 win, the Detroit Lions’ path to the 2025 NFL playoffs appears limited. Winning the NFC North is unlikely, leaving the Wild Card as their most realistic route to the postseason.
According to Next Gen Stats, Detroit currently has a:
55% chance to make the playoffs entering Week 15
75% chance with a win over the Rams
45% chance with a loss in Week 15
Detroit enters the week as the top team on the playoff bubble.
NFC Wild Card Standings (Week 15)
The Lions currently sit No. 8 in the NFC, just one game behind the Chicago Bears for the final Wild Card spot.
NFC Playoff Rankings (Ahead of Week 15):
- Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
- Green Bay Packers (9-3-1)
- Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)
- Carolina Panthers (7-6)
- Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
- San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
- Chicago Bears (9-4)
- Detroit Lions (8-5)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
- Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)
- Minnesota Vikings (5-8)
- Atlanta Falcons (4-9)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
- New Orleans Saints (3-10)
- Washington Commanders (3-10)
- New York Giants (2-11)
NFC North Standings
Green Bay Packers: 9-3-1
Chicago Bears: 9-4
Detroit Lions: 8-5
Minnesota Vikings: 5-8
While it’s not mathematically impossible for Detroit to win the NFC North, the Lions’ most realistic playoff path remains through the Wild Card race.
Lions Remaining Schedule
The Lions face a challenging finish to the season, with each game carrying postseason implications:
vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
at NFC North opponent
at NFC North opponent
Detroit likely needs to win out or finish strong to secure a Wild Card berth. While a division title remains a long shot, the Lions are still firmly in the playoff conversation heading into Week 15.
