With just three weeks remaining in the 2025 NFL regular season, the Detroit Lions’ playoff hopes are hanging in the balance following their Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

The defeat dropped Detroit to 8–6, leaving them just outside the NFC playoff picture as the league enters the final stretch of the season.

Where the Lions Stand in the NFC Playoff Race

After all Week 15 NFC games were completed, the Lions sit 8th in the conference, narrowly missing out on one of the seven available playoff spots.

Current NFC standings:

Los Angeles Rams (clinched playoff berth)

Chicago Bears

Philadelphia Eagles

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Seattle Seahawks

San Francisco 49ers (Wild Card)

Green Bay Packers (Wild Card)

Detroit Lions

Carolina Panthers

Dallas Cowboys

Only seven teams qualify for the postseason, with the No. 1 seed earning a first-round bye.

Lions’ Remaining Schedule

Detroit has three games left to determine its postseason fate:

Week 16: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.)

Week 17: at Minnesota Vikings (Christmas Day)

Week 18: at Chicago Bears (Jan. 4, time TBD)

The Lions are currently third in the NFC North, and according to NFL.com, Detroit’s playoff probability sits at 41%.

How the Lions Can Make the Playoffs

The clearest path to the postseason is simple—but difficult.

Best-case scenario:

Detroit wins its final three games to finish 11–6

The Chicago Bears lose at least two games, including the Week 18 matchup against the Lions

There is also a scenario where Detroit could reach the playoffs by finishing 2–1, but that outcome would require help from the San Francisco 49ers and other favorable results around the conference.

What Would Eliminate Detroit?

If the Lions lose two or more games over the final three weeks, their playoff hopes would be officially over.

Final Outlook

Detroit still controls much of its destiny, but the margin for error is extremely thin. Strong performances down the stretch—and some help from divisional rivals—will determine whether the Lions extend their season into January or fall just short of the postseason.