Detroit Lions playoff chase rooting guide for Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season

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Allen Park — By now, you know the deal. For the Detroit Lions to make the playoffs, they’re likely going to need to win their final three games.

That doesn’t guarantee them entry into the dance, but projections give them a better than 90% chance to earn a berth in that scenario.

So, everything starts with beating the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field on Sunday. But what other games around the league matter to the Lions this weekend? A handful, but in reality, it’s only one.

Philadelphia at Washington, Saturday, 5 p.m.

The odds of Detroit winning the NFC North are around 5%. The odds of both winning the division and gaining two games on the Eagles, who close with two games against lowly Washington in three weeks? Considerably lower.

The better question is where would you like to see the Lions travel if they earn a Wild Card berth, which would more than likely be the No. 7 seed? If Philadelphia is your preferred destination over Green Bay, you’d like to see the Eagles win out to create that possibility.

Green Bay at Chicago, Saturday, 8:20 p.m.

Detroit’s NFC North odds go up slightly — to 7% — if Chicago wins this matchup. However, that outcome actually decreases the Lions’ chances of making the playoffs.

Realistically, you’re rooting for the Packers. A Bears loss and Lions win on Sunday puts the Lions back in control of their own destiny without needing additional help.

Additionally, it provides a pathway to get in with 10 wins. If Chicago loses this matchup at home and to the 49ers on the road the next week, Detroit can still sneak in with two wins in their final three games, as long as one of them is beating Chicago in the finale.

Tampa Bay at Carolina, Sunday, 1 p.m.

The only way this matters is if the Lions win the NFC North and meet the NFC South winner in the NFC Championship game. That’s absurdly improbable, so cheer for the team you’d rather see make the postseason.

Personally, give me the Panthers. The franchise hasn’t tasted the postseason since 2017.

San Francisco at Indianapolis, Monday, 8:15 p.m.

With 10 wins and an 8-2 conference record, the only way the Lions can catch the 49ers in the Wild Card standings is by winning out and the 49ers losing out.

It’s not likely, but also not impossible. If San Francisco stumbles in Indianapolis, they’d have to beat either Chicago or Seattle at home to ensure a playoff berth.