Detroit Lions star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is locking in ahead of a pivotal three-game home stand that he believes will determine the direction of the Lions’ 2025 season. Following Detroit’s tough 16–9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Hutchinson says he’s blocking out the outside criticism but understands the urgency.
“We’re 6-4 right now. I think people have written us off a little bit, and I think it’s a good spot to be in,” Hutchinson said. “I’m excited, and I think these next three home games we’ve got to be 3-0 — and it starts with New York on Sunday.”
The Lions return to Ford Field this week to host the New York Giants at 1 p.m. ET, looking to rebound after a disappointing prime-time performance in Week 11.
Lions Hit Historic Fourth-Down Struggles in Philadelphia
Detroit went 0-for-5 on fourth down against the Eagles — only the second NFL team in the last 30 years to fail at least five times in the same game. The only other instance? The 2022 Lions, who went 0-for-6 against the Patriots, also under head coach Dan Campbell.
Campbell admitted the offense “was a little off,” as Detroit posted its fewest points since 2023. Still, the team is using the growing doubt as fuel moving into a stretch that could define their playoff hopes.
Playoff Chances Tighten as Lions Enter Must-Win Territory
Once seen as early favorites to win the NFC North and push for a Super Bowl run, the Lions now sit on the playoff bubble. According to ESPN Analytics, Detroit has a 34% chance to win the division, behind the Packers (44%) and Bears (22%).
A win over the Giants boosts Detroit to 39%, while a loss sends them tumbling to 20%.
Hutchinson says the path forward is simple: win — especially the close ones.
“Looking at the rest of our schedule, we’re at a point where we’ve got to win,” he said. “Even in the close games, we’ve got to pull them out if we want to do what we want to do this year.”
Detroit has not lost back-to-back home games since October 2022, though they dropped their last one in a Week 9 upset against the Vikings.
Dan Campbell: “We Already Have Urgency”
Campbell stressed that the Lions don’t need to panic as the stakes rise.
“We’ve had urgency. We’re an urgent team,” Campbell said. “If you try to ramp up urgency more, that’s when mistakes happen and guys start panicking.”
The Lions will look to reset, regain momentum, and protect their home turf as they begin a decisive stretch that could make or break their season.
