Detroit Lions: Packers game feels like a must-win, but is it?

The Detroit Lions find themselves trying to salvage their season just four games in. Is this next game a “have-to” for the Pride? Let’s discuss it!

The Detroit Lions reverted back to their same-old selves Sunday. The failed “we need one stop to hold onto this lead” ending is a familiar one. Are the Lions eliminated from the playoffs, yet? No. Do they have a good chance of making the playoffs? No. Where does this leave the team and its fans going into a meeting with the Green Bay Packers? Kick in the Crotch Weekly examines the situation.

KITCW  has often lamented that many fans, ourselves included, go from Same Old Lions fans to Kool-Aid drinker fans throughout the season. At 1-3, we would say that many fans are trying to stay positive, but given the 18% chance at making the playoffs  (see below), many are unhappy with what the Lions have done with the talent they do have.

Detroit Lions looking forward

According to the website FiveThirtyEight(.com), the Lions now have an 18% chance of making the playoffs. Using their simulation model, they predict that Chicago will win the division at 9-7, with a 54% chance at the playoffs. Minnesota will have an 8-8 record, with a 35% chance at a playoff run. Lastly, Green Bay will be an 8-8 team with a 32% chance at the postseason. The Lions projected record is 7-9.

In other words, two games separate the entire division. We all thought that the rankings would have Minnesota at the top; we thought Detroit and Green Bay would battle for the division title, though, too.

Chicago was widely regarded as the team not quite ready to compete in our tough division. Of course, that was mostly before Chicago pulled off the trade that landed defensive end-linebacker Khalil Mack on their roster.