Lions playoff picture: Updated chances for Detroit to make 2025 NFL postseason in Week 15 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After two seasons, the Detroit Lions’ recent struggles have surprised many. Their previous success had indicated they were beginning to establish dominance in the NFL.

Advertisement

However, losing their two coordinators—Ben Johnson (OC) and Aaron Glenn (DC)—has left noticeable gaps in the team’s identity.

The offense, in particular, has struggled to adapt after Johnson’s departure. While he was a strategic mind, one might have expected the talented offense to manage itself. The situation became dire enough that head coach Dan Campbell stepped in to call plays, taking over from OC John Morton. Despite these measures, the offense continues to lack momentum.

The Lions secured a crucial Week 14 win on Thursday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys. They now travel to Los Angeles to face their former quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and the Rams.

Advertisement

Here’s a closer look at whether the Lions can reach the 2025-26 postseason.

MORE WEEK 15 NFL:

Lions playoff picture

As things stand, even with a Week 14 win, it looks like the Lions’ only path to the playoffs is through the wild-card spot. After their Thursday night victory over the Cowboys, the route to winning an NFC North title is quite limited.

Next Gen Stats show the Lions currently have a 55% chance of making the playoffs. If Detroit wins in Week 15, its chances would rise to 75%. However, losing to the Rams would drop their chances to 45%.

Advertisement

Regarding the Wild Card, the Lions remain the top team in the bubble heading into Week 15. Detroit holds the No. 8 spot in the NFC, just one game behind the Chicago Bears at No. 7.

Here is how the NFC playoff picture looks ahead of Week 15. The first four seeds are the division leaders.

Rank

Team

Record

1

Los Angeles Rams

10-3

2

Green Bay Packers

9-3-1

3

Philadelphia Eagles

8-5

4

Carolina Panthers

7-6

5

Seattle Seahawks

10-3

6

San Francisco 49ers

9-4

7

Chicago Bears

9-4

8

Detroit Lions

8-5

9

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

7-7

10

Dallas Cowboys

6-6-1

11

Minnesota Vikings

5-8

12

Atlanta Falcons

4-9

13

Arizona Cardinals

3-10

14

New Orleans Saints

3-10

15

Washington Commanders

3-10

16

New York Giants

2-11

MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture after Week 14 results

NFC North standings

Team

Record

Green Bay Packers

9-3-1

Chicago Bears

9-4

Detroit Lions

8-5

Minnesota Vikings

5-8

While it is unlikely that the Lions will finish this season at the top of the NFC North, it is not mathematically impossible. Detroit’s best chance at making the postseason is through the Wild Card.

Advertisement

Lions remaining schedule

The Lions’ last three games are definitely challenging, but each is crucial for Detroit’s postseason chances.

They’ll face the Pittsburgh Steelers before heading on the road for two NFC North battles.

As mentioned, the Lions need to win out to boost their chances of making the Wild Card, or at least finish strong. There is a small chance they could win the NFC North, but it’s unlikely.

Here is a look at Detroit’s remaining schedule.

Week

Opponent

16

vs. Steelers

17

at Vikings

18

at Bears