Detroit Lions Playoff Odds
Based on 5,000 Monte Carlo simulations of the remaining NFL season, here's where the Lions stand in the playoff race.
Make Playoffs
52.9%
Miss Playoffs
47.1%
Current Record: 8-5 (61.5%)
NFC Rank: 7th
If the Lions Make It, Where Do They Land?
The most likely scenario is the Lions sneaking in as the 7th seed wild card. Division title hopes are slim given Green Bay's 4-0 division record.
Key Insight: The Lions have a 28.4% chance at the 7th seed—more than all other seeds combined. This reflects their position as a bubble team fighting for the last wild card spot.
NFC North Standings
Green Bay controls the division at 4-0. The Lions' path to the playoffs runs through the wild card, where they're competing against NFC West and South teams.
Packers
Division leader
9-3-1
Div: 4-0
Bears
Wild card position
9-4
Div: 1-3
Lions
Wild card hunt
8-5
Div: 1-3
Vikings
Eliminated
5-8
Div: 2-2
NFC Playoff Race
Seven teams make the playoffs. The Lions currently sit 7th—right on the bubble with Tampa Bay and Carolina lurking one game behind.
| # | Team | Record | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RamsWest | 10-3 | 76.9% |
| 2 | SeahawksWest | 10-3 | 76.9% |
| 3 | PackersNorth | 9-3-1 | 73.1% |
| 4 | BearsNorth | 9-4 | 69.2% |
| 5 | 49ersWest | 9-4 | 69.2% |
| 6 | EaglesEast | 8-4 | 66.7% |
| 7 | LionsNorth | 8-5 | 61.5% |
| 8 | BuccaneersSouth | 7-6 | 53.8% |
| 9 | PanthersSouth | 7-6 | 53.8% |
| 10 | CowboysEast | 6-6-1 | 50% |
Gold line indicates playoff cutoff. Teams above make the postseason.
Lions Remaining Schedule
Four games remain. The Lions need wins to stay in the hunt, especially with a brutal Week 15 matchup at the 10-3 Rams.
@ Rams
SoFi Stadium
Lions Win Prob
33%
Tough road test against 10-3 Rams
vs Steelers
Ford Field
Lions Win Prob
70%
Best chance for a win at home
@ Vikings
U.S. Bank Stadium
Lions Win Prob
60%
Division game, Vikings struggling
@ Bears
Soldier Field
Lions Win Prob
60%
Season finale vs division rival
Expected Wins: Based on current probabilities, the Lions are projected to go roughly 2-2 down the stretch, finishing around 10-7. That should be enough for a wild card—but nothing is guaranteed.
What the Lions Need
Best Case
- ✓Win out (4-0) to finish 12-5
- ✓Packers lose 2+ games
- ✓Could win division or secure high wild card
Elimination Scenario
- ✗Lose to Rams in Week 15
- ✗Buccaneers/Panthers win their games
- ✗Could be eliminated before Week 18
Most Likely Outcome
The Lions split their remaining games (2-2), finish 10-7, and squeak into the playoffs as the 7th seed. They'd likely face the Rams or Seahawks on the road in the wild card round.
Teams Chasing Wild Cards
The Lions aren't just racing the clock—they're racing these teams for limited playoff spots:
Buccaneers
7-6
One game back, easier schedule
Panthers
7-6
Hot streak, division games left
Cowboys
6-6-1
Need to win out to have a chance
49ers
9-4
Likely secure, but taking a spot
Run Your Own Scenarios
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