Detroit Lions Playoff Chances Heading Into Christmas

The brand-new Lions did it again! After starting the year 1-6, the Detroit Lions have flipped the script, going 6-1 since then, revitalizing the chances Lions make the playoffs. Let's discuss the Detroit Lions' playoff chances, betting odds, remaining schedule, playoff scenarios and if it is realistic for them to make it into the dance.

Detroit Lions Playoff Odds

If you believe in Detroit, now is the time to bet on the Lions' playoff odds. Heading into the Week 16 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, they sit at 7-7. The Lions' odds to make the playoffs are +128. This means a $100 bet would win $128, if Detroit keeps winning and makes the NFL Playoffs.

Photo byNic Antaya/Getty Images

NFC Playoff Standings

The NFC Playoff picture is an interesting one, as all four NFC East teams are currently in the NFL Playoffs. The Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Washington Commanders occupy all three spots in the NFC Wild Card Standings. Meanwhile, the NFC South is fully up for grabs, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers only have a one-game lead on the rest of the division.

Let's take a look at the NFC Playoff picture. Remember, the top seven teams in the NFC Playoff standings are in, and winning the division rewards the team with a top-four seed.

*clinched the NFL Playoffs

1. Philadelphia Eagles (13-1)*
2. Minnesota Vikings (11-3)*
3. San Francisco 49ers (10-4)*
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8)
5. Dallas Cowboys (10-4)*
6. New York Giants (8-5-1)
7. Washington Commanders (7-6-1)

Others in Wild Card Race | NFC Wild Card Standings

• Seattle Seahawks (7-7)
• Detroit Lions (7-7)
• Green Bay Packers (6-8)
• Carolina Panthers (5-9)
• New Orleans Saints (5-9)
• Atlanta Falcons (5-9)

Lions Playoff Scenarios

At 7-7, the chances Lions make the playoffs are basically a coin flip, as they sit just outside the NFC Wild Card Standings. However, with a relatively easy schedule ahead, the window is left open for them to sneak in.

According to FiveThirtyEight, the chances Lions make the playoffs is 40% after only being 20% last week. Let's take a look at the Lions' playoff scenarios to see how it affects the chances Lions make the playoffs.

Obviously, the Lions must defeat the Panthers this week to stay alive. Doing so will increase the Lions' chances to make the playoffs to 61%. Defeating divisional opponents in the Bears and Packers to end the season makes the Lions an essential lock to make the NFL Playoffs, at 96%. Beating the Bears and losing the Packers drops them all the way to 44%.

With tough games ahead for other teams in the NFC Wild Card Standings right now, winning the remaining three games should mean a ticket into the dance for Detroit. It's been some time, but there's a chance Lions fans may need to start looking for playoff tickets.

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Detroit Lions Remaining Schedule

Can the Lions make the playoffs? The Detroit Lions remaining schedule should provide plenty of optimism, especially coming off of big wins against the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets.

This week, the Lions travel to play the Carolina Panthers, who have been better, but they certainly aren't a good team. Following this matchup, the Lions are at home against the Bears, then they travel to Lambeau Field to play the Green Bay Packers in what could be a "win and you're in" game for both teams.