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If the higher-ups in the NFL were to root for one team to go all the way, they just got a new reason to make it the Detroit Lions.
Even though the Dallas Cowboys are called “America’s Team,” often times, it really feels like the new and improved 8-5 Detroit Lions should have that label. The Lions have been the underdogs for pretty much the entire franchise history, but now, they’re a real contender and have a 52% chance of making the postseason, while other teams are already out of the running.
The Lions’ game on Thursday, December 4, for Thursday Night Football was a must-win for them, and they delivered. the team pulled off a 44-30 victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. So, according to NFL research, the Lions have a 52% chance of getting to the postseason, and if they win on Sunday, December 14, against the Los Angeles Rams, then it will go much higher.
Now, there are always these theories that the NFL wants certain teams to go all the way, and even if that’s just not the case, it’s fun to look at which teams in the NFL are drawing big viewership numbers. Well, if the NFL does want a lot of people watching at the big game, then they might want to root for the Lions to go all the way.
Super Bowl LIX in February 2025 set a new viewership record, with 127.7 million average viewers across all platforms. That made it the most-watched Super Bowl and TV event ever in the United states. The game featured the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chief and drew a viewership peak of 137.7 million viewers. But, the Detroit Lions could top that.
Detroit Lions Share Viewership Record With the Dallas Cowboys
On Monday, December 8, the Detroit Lions took to social media to share that their game against the Cowboys broke a record. The showdown, which took place on December 4, marked the highest-ever peak viewership for “Thursday Night Football” on Prime.
One commenter made a great point on the post, stating, “Lions get the best ratings, imagine Super Bowl viewership.” Of course, the Lions had to share the honor with the Cowboys, and one commenter said, “A lot of it is because of the Dallas Cowboys, but I’ll take it.” Well, let’s not get too negative.
Even thought the Lions were up against another giant franchise in the Cowboys, both of these teams obviously are drawing viewers, and that should make the NFL eager to see how far the Lions get in the postseason, God willing the team gets there.
Detroit Lions Postseason Status
Now that the entire line up Week 14 games has wrapped up, the NFL has done research on exactly where each team stands. After the win over the Cowboys, the Lions have a 52% chance of making the playoffs.
Also of note is that the NFC North standings changed following the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers game. Green Bay won, and that pushed Ben Johnson and the Bears down to No. 2 in the NFC North standings. Now, the Lions are just a game back of Chicago, and that brings more excitement when the two teams have their Week 18 game against each other. The Green Bay Packers currently have a 94% chance of making the playoffs, and the Chicago Bears have a 64% chance.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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