The Lions were 1-6 after their first seven games. Following their 34-23 Week 14 home win over the NFC North-leading Vikings, they are 6-7.
With Detroit's only loss its past five games coming at home against AFC-best Buffalo on Thanksgiving, it is very much alive and well in the race for the NFC playoffs. Not only did the second-place Lions improve their chances to earn a wild-card berth, but they also delayed the Vikings from clinching the division title until Week 15.
Here's what Detroit's big win over Minnesota to even the season series means for its playoff chances:
Where do the Lions stand in the NFC playoff picture?
The Lions are No. 9, two spots lower than No. 7 and the third and final wild-card spot in the NFC. They are just behind the Giants (7-5-1) and Seahawks (7-7) and just ahead of the Packers, Panthers and Falcons (all 5-8). At 6-7, the Lions can no longer catch the Vikings (11-3), who clinched the NFC North in Week 15 with their miracle comeback win over the Colts.
MORE: Jameson Williams' first career NFL catch with Lions goes for touchdown vs. Vikings
What playoff tiebreakers are in the Lions' favor?
The Lions have two key tiebreakers in the wild-card race. They beat the current No. 6 Commanders (7-5-1) at home in Week 2 and defeated the No. 7 Giants on the road in Week 11. They did, however lose to the current No. 8 Seahawks (7-7) at home in Week 4 and the current No. 5 Cowboys (10-3) in Week 7 on the road.
The Lions also have a strong conference record of 5-4, which is better than the Seahawks, Commanders, Giants and Falcons.
What games are left on the Lions' schedule?
The Lions have a tough road game at the defensive-minded AFC wild-card chasing Jets in Week 15. They stay away for a more favorable game at Carolina in Week 16.
Then the Lions close with two more division games, the Bears at home in Week 17 and the Packers on the road in Week 18. Based on their recent hot offensive and improved defensive play, they should like their chances to finish 3-1 and end up 9-8 overall.
How good are the Lions' wild-card chances now?
The Lions need to take care of their own business and get some real help to get to No. 7. Unfortunately for them, the Giants and Commanders play each other next, making it likely one of them will win in Week 15 after tying in Week 13. Fortunately, the Seahawks lost to the 49ers, putting the Lions a half-game back. Losing to the Jets would really kill their chances, which are now hovering around 10 percent.
MORE: NFL standings-- Updated AFC, NFC playoff picture for Week 15 of 2022 season
The last thing Lions want is their chances coming down to them and Seahawks to whom they lost, and either the Giants or Commanders finishing a half-game ahead of them because of that tie.
