Not only did the Detroit Lions see their fleeting layoff hopes take a massive hit at the hands of franchise boogeyman Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that loss came due to some referee-enhanced confusion that had everyone watching that game shaking their heads in bewilderment.
The Lions now find themselves at 8-7 and firmly on the outside looking in as the NFC playoff picture starts to crystallize. Five teams have already clinched playoff spots, and one of the two open spots belongs to the eventual winner of the AFC South.
Detroit needs a miracle if they are to make it to the postseason. Not only do they need to win the final two games of the year, but they must hope the Green Bay Packers end up losing their final two games as well. Without it, Detroit will miss the playoffs for the first time in three years.
Jared Goff and company will need a lot of luck, but if they execute properly and the Packers screw up, they just might pull it off.
The Lions can still make the postseason after brutal Week 16 loss
Green Bay might be playing with many of their second-string players in key roles. Not only will they be without superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons due to an ACL injury and running back Josh Jacobs due to some nagging ailments, but quarterback Jordan Love left a Week 16 loss against the Chicago Bears with a concussion.
The Packers have a marquee matchup against Lamar Jackson and a Baltimore Ravens team that is fighting for their own playoff life as they try to win the NFC North. There's a good chance the loser of that game could miss the postseason altogether. Green Bay finishes the season on the road against JJ McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings.
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Detroit has a very quick turnaround, as they will play on Christmas Day against a Vikings team that limped to a win against the New York Giants and saw McCarthy leave with a hand injury. Week 18 is do-or-die time for Detroit, as they will need to beat Caleb Williams and the 11-4 Chicago Bears.
While this is certainly improbable, it is by no means impossible, and Dan Campbell is going to do everything in his power to make sure the Lions are fighting and clawing for every inch until math deems them unable to make it to the playoffs.