The NFC playoff picture just got more complicated for the Detroit Lions following the Chicago Bears’ dramatic overtime win against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16. On December 20, 2025, the Bears rallied late in the fourth quarter and secured a 22–16 victory in overtime, thanks to a 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Caleb Williams to wide receiver D.J. Moore. While the win was a huge boost for Chicago, it also has ripple effects for Detroit, whose postseason fate is already hanging by a thread.

Heading into the final stretch of the season, the Lions do not control their own destiny. Even if they win all remaining games, they still depend on other NFC teams losing to earn a playoff berth. Chicago’s win keeps them in the mix for a wildcard spot and strengthens their position in potential tiebreaker scenarios. In the NFL, tiebreakers are decided first by head-to-head results, then division records, and finally records against common opponents. With the Bears beating Green Bay, the NFC North standings and tiebreaker calculations become more complex, leaving Detroit with a narrower margin for error.

The Lions’ path to the playoffs now requires more than just victories on the field. They must not only win remaining games but also hope for favorable results elsewhere in the NFC. Losses by key competitors like the Bears or Packers could open a door, but any misstep could effectively end Detroit’s postseason hopes. The tight race highlights how every game down the stretch carries significant weight, not just for the Lions but for multiple teams vying for the final playoff spots.

Beyond standings and tiebreakers, Chicago’s win serves as a psychological reminder that the NFC is unpredictable. Lower-seeded teams are capable of upsets, and no team can take a playoff berth for granted. For Detroit, the challenge is twofold: play at a high level and maintain focus while monitoring the shifting landscape around them. Every remaining matchup could be pivotal, and the margin for error is razor-thin.

In summary, the Bears’ overtime victory over Green Bay complicates the Detroit Lions’ playoff outlook by tightening tiebreakers and strengthening a competitor’s position in the wildcard race. The Lions must respond with consistent wins and hope for favorable outcomes elsewhere to keep their postseason dreams alive.