The Detroit Lions are currently navigating a critical stretch in the NFL season, aiming for playoff qualification. As of December 10, 2025, they hold an 8-5 record, placing them third in the NFC North. The Lions are set to compete against the top-seeded Los Angeles Rams, who have a record of 10-3, in a crucial matchup scheduled for Sunday at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California.
Current Playoff Odds for the Detroit Lions
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Lions’ chances of reaching the playoffs stand at 52%. Their position could significantly improve with a win over the Rams, bumping their postseason probability to 73%. However, a loss would drop these odds to just 40%.
NFC Playoff Picture
Only the top seven teams from each conference qualify for the NFL playoffs. Here are the NFC standings as of December 10:
- Rams: 10-3, 97% chance of making playoffs
- Packers: 9-3-1, 92%
- Eagles: 9-5, 95%
- Seahawks: 10-3, 97%
- Bears: 10-4, 68%
- 49ers: 9-4, 93%
- Lions: 8-5, 52%
- Bears: 10-4, 68%
- Buccaneers: 7-7, 54%
- Cowboys: 6-6-1, 8%
Scenarios for Lions to Secure a Playoff Spot
The Lions control their postseason fate despite currently sitting outside the playoff picture. Here are potential scenarios for their final four games:
- 4-0 Record: Finishing 12-5 guarantees playoffs, with a potential to capture the No. 1 seed.
- 3-1 Record: Ending at 11-6 keeps playoff hopes alive, requiring the Bears to stumble.
- 2-2 Record: A finish of 10-7 complicates playoff chances, particularly with a loss to the Bears.
- 1-3 or 0-4 Record: Finishing with either of these records will eliminate the Lions from playoff contention.
Remaining Schedule for the Lions
The remaining games for the Lions are as follows:
- Week 16: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, December 21, 4:25 p.m., CBS
- Week 17: at Minnesota Vikings, December 25, 4:30 p.m., Netflix
- Week 18: at Chicago Bears, January 3-4, TBD
Upcoming NFL Playoffs Timeline
The NFL playoffs will commence shortly after the regular season:
- Wild-card round: January 10-12
- Divisional round: January 17-18
- Conference championships: January 25
- Super Bowl 60: February 8
As the Lions prepare for their crucial match against the Rams, all eyes will be on their playoff odds and potential paths to securing a postseason appearance.
