The Detroit Lions suffered a crushing defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers at home in Week 16, as Dan Campbell's squad fell flat in the first three quarters and didn't do enough to get the job done in the fourth quarter.
Detroit has now lost two straight games and three of its last four. The Lions have struggled all year to string wins together, as it's been an incredibly inconsistent season in the Motor City.
After their loss to Pittsburgh, Detroit is now 8-7, and their hopes of winning the NFC North for a third consecutive season are dead.
NFC North standings
1. Chicago Bears (11-4)
2. Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)
3. Detroit Lions (8-7)
4. Minnesota Vikings (7-8)
There isn't a scenario where the Lions can win the NFC North. At 8-7, Detroit is too far behind the Chicago Bears, who picked up a gutsy victory over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday in Week 16 to improve to 11-4.
Not only are the Lions out of the running for the division crown, but their playoff chances are also on life support.
NFC playoff picture
According to Next Gen stats, Detroit has a 6% chance of qualifying for the postseason. The Lions will need to win out and get a ton of help in order to clinch a playoff berth.
Detroit will finish the year with road games against the Minnesota Vikings and the Bears. We'll see if the team can pull off a miracle and salvage their already disappointing 2025 campaign.
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