After two seasons, the Detroit Lions’ recent struggles have surprised many. Their previous success had indicated they were beginning to establish dominance in the NFL.

However, losing their two coordinators—Ben Johnson (OC) and Aaron Glenn (DC)—has left noticeable gaps in the team’s identity.

The offense, in particular, has struggled to adapt after Johnson’s departure. While he was a strategic mind, one might have expected the talented offense to manage itself. The situation became dire enough that head coach Dan Campbell stepped in to call plays, taking over from OC John Morton. Despite these measures, the offense continues to lack momentum.

The Lions secured a crucial Week 14 win on Thursday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys. They now travel to Los Angeles to face their former quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and the Rams.

Here’s a closer look at whether the Lions can reach the 2025-26 postseason.

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Lions playoff picture 

As things stand, even with a Week 14 win, it looks like the Lions’ only path to the playoffs is through the wild-card spot. After their Thursday night victory over the Cowboys, the route to winning an NFC North title is quite limited.

Next Gen Stats show the Lions currently have a 55% chance of making the playoffs. If Detroit wins in Week 15, its chances would rise to 75%. However, losing to the Rams would drop their chances to 45%.

Regarding the Wild Card, the Lions remain the top team in the bubble heading into Week 15. Detroit holds the No. 8 spot in the NFC, just one game behind the Chicago Bears at No. 7. 

Here is how the NFC playoff picture looks ahead of Week 15. The first four seeds are the division leaders. 

RankTeamRecord1Los Angeles Rams10-32Green Bay Packers9-3-13Philadelphia Eagles8-54Carolina Panthers7-65Seattle Seahawks10-36San Francisco 49ers9-47Chicago Bears9-48Detroit Lions8-59Tampa Bay Buccaneers7-710Dallas Cowboys6-6-111Minnesota Vikings5-812Atlanta Falcons4-913Arizona Cardinals3-1014New Orleans Saints3-1015Washington Commanders3-1016New York Giants2-11

MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture after Week 14 results

NFC North standingsTeamRecordGreen Bay Packers9-3-1Chicago Bears9-4Detroit Lions8-5Minnesota Vikings5-8

While it is unlikely that the Lions will finish this season at the top of the NFC North, it is not mathematically impossible. Detroit’s best chance at making the postseason is through the Wild Card.

Lions remaining schedule

The Lions’ last three games are definitely challenging, but each is crucial for Detroit’s postseason chances. 

They’ll face the Pittsburgh Steelers before heading on the road for two NFC North battles.

As mentioned, the Lions need to win out to boost their chances of making the Wild Card, or at least finish strong. There is a small chance they could win the NFC North, but it’s unlikely. 

Here is a look at Detroit’s remaining schedule.

WeekOpponent16vs. Steelers17at Vikings18at Bears