After suffering a demoralizing loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving, there is legitimate concern about the Detroit Lions missing the playoffs this season. All hope is not lost just yet, but it's going to take a monumental effort to get over the line with just five games remaining.
It was another contest where the Lions shot themselves in the foot too many times. Their fourth-down aggression once again held them back, and the defense struggled to contain the Packers' vertical passing attack. To make matters worse, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown could be set for a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
The Lions are 7-5, behind both the Packers and the Chicago Bears. They are set to miss out on the postseason as things stand, which means the margin for error is long gone. But judging by head coach Dan Campbell's relentless mindset, they won't be giving up without a fight.
Here's how things could go over the Lions' stretch run before their eventual fate is determined.
Predicting the Detroit Lions' final five games as playoff hopes hang by a thread
Lions vs. Cowboys - Week 14
Another Thursday game awaits when the Dallas Cowboys visit Ford Field in Week 14. Brian Schottenheimer's team has made impressive strides in recent weeks, as evidenced by their stunning Thanksgiving victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Simply put, this is not the cakewalk it appeared earlier in the season.
The receiver tandem of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens represents a danger of epic proportions, so keeping them off the field is crucial. And if returning center Frank Ragnow gets involved, the Lions have a shot.
Prediction: Lions win (8-5)
Lions at LA Rams - Week 15
The Lions and Los Angeles Rams have been closely linked ever since the trade that sent Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff in opposite directions. This will be an emotional return for Detroit's signal-caller, but the size of the task awaiting him is steep.
Sean McVay is leading a powerhouse. The Rams are the NFC's No. 1 seed with very few (if any) weak links. This looks like a tall order for the Lions on the road.
Prediction: Lions loss (8-6)
Lions vs. Steelers - Week 16
Detroit's regular-season home finale sees the Pittsburgh Steelers come to town. It'll be a physical encounter, but one that the Lions are more than capable of winning if everything performs to expectations.
Finding a way to stop the Steelers' relentless pass rush will be crucial. If the Lions can do that, they can send fans home happy.
Prediction: Lions win (9-6)
Lions at Vikings - Week 17
The Lions have revenge on their mind when they travel to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. Detroit lost its home fixture versus a bitter division rival earlier this season, and they will be striving to right this wrong in a hostile environment.
Minnesota has vastly underachieved this season, with questions swirling around quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The Lions can exploit this vulnerability on their way to success.
Prediction: Lions win (10-6)
Lions at Bears - Week 18
There are many unknowns before Week 18. A lot can and will change, but in this scenario, the Lions desperately need to win. Ten wins are good, but they might not be enough.
The Bears, and former Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, won't be doing Campbell any favors. This is also going to be cold and inhospitable, which the Lions have had problems with in the past.
Prediction: Lions loss (10-7)
While being two games above .500 at the end of the season is somewhat positive, the Lions would probably be depending on results elsewhere to sneak into the playoffs. Time will tell on all fronts.