Oct. 15, 2026, 4:20 p.m. ET
After Detroit’s resounding 45-21 Week 5 road victory at the Arizona Cardinals (1-4), how do the Lions (3-2) fare in ESPN’s updated NFL playoff odds entering their Week 6 bye?
ESPN’s live analytics, which use its Football Power Index to project the rest of the season, gives the Lions a 64% chance of making the NFL playoffs. However, with the Minnesota Vikings‘ undefeated start, Detroit’s chances of clinching the NFC North division crown sit at just 22%.
With the NFC North bunched up behind the Vikings (5-0), the Lions have the second-best chance in the division to secure a wild-card spot at 42%, trailing only the rival Chicago Bears‘ 45%.
While the Lions boast the league’s highest-scoring offense, their 43% wild-card chances reflect an NFC West with three high-powered teams that ESPN views as likely to claim those spots.
The Lions will look to improve their chances when they face the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on Oct. 25 at 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox.
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