The NFL Playoffs Picture for the NFC Week 16
By Dean Holden
Detroit Lions
Dec 8, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports
Current Record: 7-6, playing Monday vs. Ravens
Current NFL Playoffs Position: Out
If they win out:
The Lions control their own destiny. If they win out, nobody can stop them from winning the NFC North and securing either the No. 3 or No. 4 seed in the playoffs. The only reason they’re not in playoff position right now is because the Bears currently have a half-game lead on them, but if they win on Monday night, they’re back in control, and will move into the No. 4 seed.
If they lose out:
They can’t win the division at 7-9, so that would be the end of the season for them. They could, however, win the NFC North at 8-8, pending major collapses by the Packers and Bears. The wildcard possibility is not even worth talking about, since if they played well enough to earn one, they’d just take the division win instead.
Teams they’re rooting against:
Chicago, Green Bay, Philadelphia