Here’s How the Detroit Lions Could Make the Playoffs Before They Even Play
It’s getting hot in the NFL. It seems like every game has major playoff ramifications, and that makes this time of year oh-so exciting for NFL fans. Now that the Eagles are 10-4, the same record as the Detroit Lions, and things are getting really interesting in the NFC. As it turns out, the Detroit Lions could make the playoffs before they even play on Sunday. I’m getting my snacks ready for some football watching, and you should, too. Here are some Detroit Lions playoff and division-winning options heading into Week 16.
The Detroit Lions are coming up on what would be their first playoff berth since 2016. They could clinch a playoff spot this Thursday (Dec. 21). This week’s “Thursday Night Football” game pits the Los Angeles Rams against the New Orleans Saints. Believe it or not, both teams are 7-7 right now, and both teams are fighting for a spot in the wild card playoffs.
It’s as easy as this: Detroit will snag a playoff spot if New Orleans beats Los Angeles on Thursday, or if it’s a tie. So, if that’s what you want to see happen, you should be rooting against Matthew Stafford. Some Detroiters will welcome rooting against the Lions’ former quarterback, but some won’t. I’ll be rooting for the Saints, for sure. Sorry, Mattie.
Regardless, if the Rams pull off a win, the Lions will also clinch a playoff spot if the Seattle Seahawks lose to the Tennessee Titans on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) or tie. That game is at 1 p.m. EST, the same time as the Detroit Lions take on the Minnesota Vikings on the road. If the Lions win over the Vikings or tie, not only will they get a playoff spot, but they’ll also be the NFC North champions for the first time since 1993. A Vikings win could also move Detroit closer to a No. 2 seed in the NFC. So, that’s how the Detroit Lions could make the playoffs on Thursday or Sunday. Merry Christmas, Detroit. Reach out to me with your thoughts on socials here. Listen to my NFL podcast below, and find the NFL Week 16 schedule here.