As the Detroit Lions prepare to take on the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day in Week 13, there are several scenarios in which head coach Dan Campbell’s squad can clinch a playoff berth.
It’s wild to think the Lions could punch their ticket to the postseason this early in the season, but that’s exactly where we are after Detroit has posted a 10-1 mark through 11 games.
The Lions’ 10-1 record is tops in the NFC and tied for the league’s best mark with the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. The Lions securing their 10th win last week clinched back-to-back double-digit win seasons, which marks the first time the franchise has accomplished that feat.
Now, here’s a look at how the Lions can clinch a playoff berth in Week 13.
Lions playoff-clinching scenarios explained
The Lions have at least six different avenues to clinch a playoff berth in Week 13. We say “at least” because there are more scenarios in which Detroit can clinch a playoff spot with a tie and other outcomes that involve the strength of victory tiebreaker.
According to the league, here are the six easiest to digest scenarios, all of which begin with a Lions win over the Bears on Thursday:
1. DET win + SF loss or tie + ARI loss or tie + SEA loss + TB loss or tie
2. DET win + SF loss or tie + ARI loss + SEA tie + TB loss or tie
3. DET win + SF loss or tie + ARI loss or tie + SEA loss + WAS loss or tie + ATL loss
4. DET win + SF loss or tie + ARI loss or tie + SEA loss + WAS loss + ATL tie
5. DET win + SF loss or tie + ARI loss + SEA tie + WAS loss or tie + ATL loss
6. DET win + SF loss or tie + ARI loss + SEA tie + WAS loss + ATL tie
One thing the Lions cannot do this week is clinch the NFC North title. That’s because the race is extremely close, with the Minnesota Vikings sporting a 9-2 record and the Green Bay Packers having an 8-3 mark. It’s very possible the division won’t be decided until the last few weeks of the season.
Clearly, the Lions need a lot to happen in order to punch their ticket to the playoffs this week, but it’s at least possible. One way or the other, the Lions clinching a postseason berth is inevitable.
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