NFL Playoff Picture: What do the Detroit Lions need to make it to the playoffs?

Following their first seven outings of the campaign, the Detroit Lions had a record of 1-6. They are now 6-7 after their Week 14 home victory over the Minnesota Vikings by a score of 34-23.

The Lions required a specific amount of help from clubs ahead of them before Week 14 to increase their chances of capturing one of the three available positions in the Wild Card race.

Fortunately, the Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants also lost, bringing the Detroit Lions closer in the rankings by one game.

The Detroit Lions are still in the running for the NFC playoffs, with their lone setback in the previous five-game weeks being a home loss against the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving. The Lions, who finished the week in second place, increased their prospects of qualifying for the Wild Card round and stopped Minnesota from winning the division.

Regrettably, their season's dismal start has left them with a significant mountain to climb. However, they have a good chance to sweep the standings thanks to a favorable schedule that Football Outsiders ranks as the fifth easiest. There is no guarantee, but a 10-7 record will probably get them into the playoffs.

Three road games remain on Detroit's calendar, but they are all winnable. They are on the road against the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, at home against the Chicago Bears, and away to the Green Bay Packers.

The Jets will play the Detroit Lions this week. The Lions will be the favorites in their matches against Chicago at home and at Carolina. They will play the Packers in the final round of games. Given that we are not yet certain what the situation will be for each side, this is currently a huge toss-up.

A 1-6 team in the NFL have never advanced further than the regular season. It appears unlikely that the Lions will break that historical tendency with their dismal record.

Which teams are Detroit Lions competing against?

Four teams are vying for two slots in the NFC Wild Card race. The playoffs' final two slots are up for grabs, and the Commanders, Giants, Seahawks, and Lions are all contenders.

If the Lions go 4-0 in their last few games, two of those three opponents must each finish with a 2-2 record.