With the regular season winding down, the Detroit Lions find themselves at a crossroads. Sitting at 8–6 with just three games remaining, their margin for error has vanished. The equation is straightforward: win the final three contests and a playoff berth is nearly guaranteed. Drop even one, and Detroit’s postseason hopes could disappear.
The intrigue intensifies as Week 18 approaches. If the Lions take care of business against Pittsburgh and Minnesota—and if Chicago stumbles at least once over the next two weeks—the season could come down to a winner-take-all showdown between Detroit and the Bears for the final NFC wild-card spot.
So the big question remains: Can Detroit actually pull it off?
Below is a breakdown of each matchup and why there’s reason to believe the Lions can close the season on a three-game surge.
Week 16: Steelers at Lions
Projected Score: Lions 37, Steelers 20
Detroit returns to Ford Field for its final home appearance of the season, and the timing couldn’t be better. While Pittsburgh brings toughness, structure, and discipline, the Lions possess more overall firepower—assuming they play to their potential.
Jared Goff has been sharp, and his top targets, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, are peaking at the right moment. When Detroit’s offense is balanced, it’s capable of carving up even the most physical defenses.
The deciding factor will be the ground game. If the Lions can establish the run and avoid becoming predictable, they’ll control possession and force Pittsburgh into uncomfortable situations.
Prediction: Detroit pulls away for a 37–20 win.
Week 17: Lions at Vikings
Projected Score: Lions 27, Vikings 23
This matchup presents the toughest challenge of the final stretch. Detroit has been uneven away from home, and Minnesota rarely makes things easy within the division. The Vikings will relish the opportunity to disrupt Detroit’s playoff push.
That said, the Lions hold the edge in difference-making talent. If Detroit’s defensive line can pressure J.J. McCarthy and limit Minnesota’s rushing attack, the Lions should be able to dictate the pace.
Goff doesn’t need a flawless performance here—just smart decisions, timely throws, and ball security. If Detroit plays a clean game, they escape with a narrow victory.
Prediction: Lions win a tight one, 27–23.
Week 18: Lions at Bears
Projected Score: Lions 30, Bears 27
All signs point to this game carrying postseason stakes.
If Detroit enters Week 18 with wins over the Steelers and Vikings—and Chicago slips up once beforehand—this matchup becomes a de facto playoff game. Winner advances. Loser watches from home.
On paper, Detroit holds advantages across key areas: quarterback play, offensive weapons, coaching, and defensive upside. But division games in late January are rarely decided on paper—especially on the road in cold conditions.
This is where Detroit’s leaders must rise. This is where Dan Campbell’s identity matters. This is where growth becomes more than a talking point.
Expect a tense, chaotic battle filled with momentum swings and late-game drama. Ultimately, Detroit finds a way—whether through a critical stop, a clutch kick, or a composed final drive.
Prediction: Lions survive 30–27.
Final Verdict: Will the Lions Win Out?
Yes.
When operating at their best, Detroit is simply stronger than Pittsburgh, Minnesota, and Chicago. The challenge has been consistency. Throughout the season, the Lions have struggled with sluggish openings, second-half lapses, and defensive breakdowns that turned wins into losses.
For Detroit to finish the job, three things must go right:
1. Jared Goff stays in rhythm
His recent play has been excellent. If that continues, the offense has enough firepower to carry the team.
2. The offensive line reasserts control
A productive run game eases pressure on Goff, keeps the defense rested, and prevents drive-killing third-and-long situations.
3. The pass rush shows up consistently
This is the swing factor. When Detroit generates pressure, it wins. When it doesn’t, games quickly become dangerous
The opportunity is clear. The road is defined. The belief isn’t blind—it’s earned.
Final Prediction: The Detroit Lions close the regular season at 11–6, riding a three-game winning streak straight into the playoffs.
