The Detroit Lions avoided slipping into full-blown panic mode by surviving an upset bid from the New York Giants in Week 12, but their fate in the playoff picture now remains uncertain following a Thanksgiving loss.
Detroit sits at 7-5 and at serious risk of missing the postseason in a loaded NFC, with their latest defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday. In fact, the Lions woke up on Thanksgiving outside of a playoff spot.
Even so, they also know there’s a realistic path to another NFC North title if they play their cards right over the final weeks of the regular season. That mission will have to begin in Week 14 after the loss to Green Bay.
Here’s a closer look at the Lions’ playoff chances after Week 13.
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Lions playoff picture
The Lions entered Week 13 outside the playoff picture, and they'll remain outside at 7-5, trailing the seventh-seeded 49ers by one game. Here's a look at where they stand in the NFC North and NFC wild-card races.
NFC North standings
| Rank | Team | Record | GB |
| 1 | Bears | 8-3 | — |
| 2 | Packers | 8-3-1 | — |
| 3 | Lions | 7-5 | 1.5 |
| 4 | Vikings | 4-7 | 4.0 |
While the Minnesota Vikings have faded in the NFC North race, the Lions, Packers and Chicago Bears are all within two games of each other. The Lions leave Thanksgiving in third place, trailing Chicago by 1.5 games for the lead in the division, while Green Bay is temporarily tied at the top, but with an additional tie.
The Bears and Vikings have yet to play in Week 14, however.
MORE: Why the Lions always play on Thanksgiving
NFC wild-card standings
| Team | Record | GB |
| Seahawks (WC1) | 8-3 | +0.0 |
| Packers (WC2) | 8-3-1 | — |
| 49ers (WC3) | 8-4 | — |
| Lions | 7-5 | 1.0 |
| Panthers | 6-6 | 2.0 |
| Cowboys | 5-5-1 | 2.0 |
| Falcons | 4-7 | 3.5 |
| Vikings | 4-7 | 3.5 |
| Cardinals | 3-8 | 4.5 |
| Commanders | 3-8 | 4.5 |
| Saints | 2-9 | 5.5 |
| Giants | 2-10 | ELIM |
7-5 isn't enough for a playoff spot so far in the NFC this season, with the Lions on the outside-looking-in after Thanksgiving. Detroit trails both the San Francisco 49ers and Packers by one game and the Seattle Seahawks by 1.5 games.
With three teams all within striking distance in the wild-card race and the NFC North still up for grabs, the Lions have to feel positive about their chances if they can take care of business down the stretch. What's clear by this point, though, is they won't be able to cruise through December like they did in 2024.
MORE: Get to know Lions Thanksgiving Day halftime performer Jack White
Lions remaining schedule
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Dec. 4 | vs. Cowboys | 8:15 p.m. |
| Dec. 14 | at Rams | 4:25 p.m. |
| Dec. 21 | vs. Steelers | 4:25 p.m. |
| Dec. 25 | at Vikings | 4:30 p.m. |
| Jan. 4 | at Bears | TBD |
The Lions host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14 before heading west to face the NFC-leading Los Angeles Rams in Week 15.
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