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The Detroit Lions don’t have an easy path to the postseason, but they can at least spoil things for their former offensive coordinator.
he Detroit Lions are sternly focused on their game against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, December 21, at home, and they need to keep that focus tight. If the Lions lose this game, or any of their remaining contests, they’ll be out of the playoffs, so every single game is make-or-break for the Lions.
But, in the process of pulling off a win over the Steelers on Sunday, many in the Lions’ camp would also like to see a few frowns from Ben Johnson and Lions rivals, the Chicago Bears. Johnson, of course, was the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator up until last year, when he took a gig heading up the Bears.
Unfortunately for the Detroit Lions, the Chicago Bears are strong this season. It didn’t take Johnson long to get this team into shape, and they’re sitting at the top of the NFC North with a 10-4 record. The Bears also have a 79% chance of making the postseason going into Week 16, according to NFL research, while the Lions are at just 35%. But, the Lions still have a chance to make things sour for the Bears on Sunday..
Detroit Lions Hold Cards Over the Chicago Bears
It’s that time in the NFL season when things get complicated. So, it all boils down to math, and even though it may sound strange, the Lions have a chance to dash the Bears’ hopes of officially making it into the playoffs in Week 16.
The Detroit Lions are the only team that holds these cards, too. No hate, Bears fans. It’s just simple mathematics and statistics.
The Chicago Bears clinch a playoff berth in Week 16 if they win their game against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, December 20, and the Detroit Lions lose or tie their game against the Steelers on Sunday, December 21. The Bears would also make the playoffs in Week 16 if they tie the Packers and Detroit drops their game.
So, the Lions can ruin the Bears’ chances of making the playoffs this weekend if they simply win their game. That’s another reason to root for the Lions against the Steelers.
A Love Triangle: The Lions, Bears and Packers
It doesn’t stop there. The Detroit Lions are also able to spoil things for the Packers in Week 16. Green Bay snags their spot in the playoffs if they win this week and and the Detroit Lions lose or tie against the Steelers or if Green Bay ties their game and the Lions lose.
So, if Detroit wins this weekend, not only do their keep their playoff hopes alive, but they spoil things for not only the Bears but the Packers, too. How fun is that for those in the Motor City?
To say there’s a lot riding on this game is an understatement. The Lions have a 35% chance of making the postseason going into the game, and if they win, that will go up to 45%. If they lose, they’ll technically have a 14% chance of making the playoffs, according to NFL research, but for all practical purposes, it will be over. Reach out to me with your thoughts as the postseason nears.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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