The Detroit Lions are sitting at 8-5 after a statement win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night, opening Week 14 with a 44-30 victory that felt as much like a playoff declaration as it did a regular-season result. With just four games left on the schedule, every win matters-and this one was big.
Lions Stay Alive in Playoff Hunt
Detroit’s postseason hopes are very much alive, though the road ahead is anything but smooth. Thursday’s win bumped their playoff probability to 54%, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. That’s a solid number, but it also means the Lions are still very much in the thick of a crowded NFC race-and they’ll need help over the next few weeks to punch their ticket.
The NFC North is no joke this year. The Bears (9-3) and Packers (8-3-1) are both ahead of Detroit in the standings and in playoff odds-Chicago sits at 74%, while Green Bay is looking at an 88% chance of making it in. Those two square off on Sunday Night Football, a game with major implications not just for the division crown, but also for Detroit’s path forward.
Meanwhile, the current wild card picture isn’t doing the Lions any favors. The Seahawks, Packers, and 49ers are all holding wild-card spots right now, and each has at least an 88% chance of making the playoffs. Translation: the Lions can’t afford to stumble.
A Season of Swings
Detroit’s been riding a rollercoaster since Week 6. Over their last eight games, they’ve alternated wins and losses-4-4 over that stretch.
That kind of inconsistency won’t cut it down the stretch, especially with the playoff race tightening. But if Thursday night’s performance was any indication, this team might be figuring things out at just the right time.
The offense exploded for 44 points against Dallas, showing flashes of the unit that dropped 52 on the Bears back in Week 2 and 44 on Washington in Week 10. When the Lions are clicking, they’re dangerous.
The challenge now? Finding that gear and keeping it there.
What’s Next: A Familiar Face Awaits
The Lions get a mini-bye this week after playing on Thursday, which gives them extra time to prepare for one of the most emotionally charged matchups on their schedule. Next Sunday, they head west to face the Los Angeles Rams-and their former franchise quarterback, Matthew Stafford.
Stafford is in the thick of the MVP conversation and has the Rams leading the NFC West. It’s a high-stakes reunion, and it comes at a pivotal point in the Lions’ season.
Here’s what to know:
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 14
- Opponent: Los Angeles Rams
- Kickoff: 4:25 p.m.
ET
- TV: FOX
- Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.
Remaining Schedule: The Final Stretch
After the Rams, the Lions have three more games-each one with major playoff implications:
- Week 16 (Dec. 21): vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:25 p.m.
ET, CBS
- Week 17 (Dec. 25): at Minnesota Vikings, 4:30 p.m.
ET, Netflix
- Week 18 (Jan. 3-4): at Chicago Bears, time TBD
The finale against the Bears could end up being a win-and-in scenario-or a battle for seeding-depending on how the rest of December shakes out. Either way, it’s shaping up to be a dramatic finish.
Lions 2025 Season Recap (So Far)
Let’s take a quick look back at how the season has unfolded:
- Week 1: L, 27-13 at Packers
- Week 2: W, 52-21 vs.
Bears
- Week 3: W, 38-30 at Ravens
- Week 4: W, 34-10 vs. Browns
- Week 5: W, 37-24 at Bengals
- Week 6: L, 30-17 at Chiefs
- Week 7: W, 24-9 vs. Buccaneers
- Week 8: Bye
- Week 9: L, 27-24 vs.
Vikings
- Week 10: W, 44-22 at Commanders
- Week 11: L, 16-9 at Eagles
- Week 12: W, 34-27 (OT) vs.
Giants
- Week 13: L, 31-24 vs.
Packers
- Week 14: W, 44-30 vs.
Cowboys
It’s been a season of highs and lows, but the Lions are still standing-and still fighting. With four games left, the margin for error is razor thin.
But the opportunity? It’s right there.
If Detroit can find consistency, lean on its explosive offense, and maybe get a little help around the league, this could still be a playoff team come January.