The Detroit Lions cannot think of anything other than winning out for the rest of this season. With the way their offense is running as of late, that's totally doable. However, injuries in two key areas that are typically successful for Detroit - in their secondary and on their offensive line - threaten to hold them back from a postseason berth or a Super Bowl push.
That's exactly how Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon feels, which is a part of the nightmare scenario he can see unfolding for the Lions within the NFC North.
"A mix of continued road struggles—especially with trips to the Rams, Vikings and Bears—and more late-season big-game faltering from Jared Goff would likely push the Lions into full-blown crisis mode," wrote Gagnon.
Entirely road NFC contests make things even more difficult for Jared Goff and the Lions, especially with their next one coming up against his former team.
Lions' nightmare scenario could become a reality
This season, the Lions have a 3-3 road record, with two of their biggest losses on the road coming against NFC opponents. Their season opener against the Green Bay Packers was enlightening, albeit sad, as it showed just how much worse for wear the Lions were with their brand new IOL. This is the same unit that could help Detroit remain a threat down the stretch here.
Los Angeles helms a very strong defensive line led by Jared Verse, and while Tate Ratledge has been getting more and more impressive at right guard, their center woes continue. Graham Glasgow is now banged up, and their left guard situation is a toss up with Christian Mahogany still ramping up to gameday action. Frank Ragnow is not walking through that tunnel like he's cutting a wrestling promo.
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Now, the Lions could still swing a Wild Card spot with a Rams loss. According to The Athletic's Playoff Simulator, if they lose in Week 15 but then win three straight to close out their season, they have a 95 percent chance of winning a postseason spot.
The Bears just dropped a huge contest to the Packers in Week 14, and play them again in Week 16. If they lose that game, too, it makes their Week 18 contest against the Lions a must-win.
It's clear that Detroit, in order to knock out the most difficult portion of their postseason push, must win this upcoming Rams game in convincing fashion. If not, this could set in motion a nightmare scenario that involves failing to reach the postseason altogether.