This Saturday, the NFL expands its schedule for Week 16, featuring two pivotal matchups that could significantly influence playoff standings in the NFC. The Washington Commanders will go head-to-head with the Philadelphia Eagles at 5 p.m. ET, followed by the Chicago Bears hosting the Green Bay Packers at 8:20 p.m. ET. The outcomes of these games will undoubtedly impact the Detroit Lions, who are currently on the brink of the playoff picture.
In the NFC North, the standings showcase the following teams: Bears at 10-4, Packers at 9-4-1, Lions at 8-6, and the Vikings eliminated at 6-8. Currently, the NFC playoff picture reveals division leaders including the Seahawks at 12-3, Bears, Eagles at 9-5, and Buccaneers at 7-7. The Wild Card standings see the Rams at 11-4, 49ers at 10-4, and Packers at 9-4-1, while the Lions sit just outside at 8-6.
Analyzing the first game, the Eagles against the Commanders, the Lions should root for the Commanders. Although the outcome of this match bears little weight on Detroit’s playoff aspirations, a loss for Philadelphia would help the Lions in their chase for a potential division title. Currently, the Eagles hold the tiebreaker over the Lions, so a worse overall record for the Eagles could be beneficial if Detroit manages to secure a better season performance.
The second game, Packers versus Bears, presents more direct implications for the Lions. A victory for the Packers would maintain Detroit’s playoff fate in their hands. If the Lions win out, which would include a victory over the Bears in Week 18, they could potentially end the season with an 11-6 record, matching the Bears if they lose their games against both the Packers and the Lions. The Lions would then clinch a playoff spot with the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Should the Bears win against the Packers, the Lions’ playoff probability would drop significantly from 27% to just 22%. In this scenario, advancing becomes more complicated, as Detroit would need external help to secure a playoff spot while also aiming for a potential division title. Conversely, if the Packers and Bears were to tie, Detroit’s path to the playoffs becomes the most convoluted, requiring multiple favorable outcomes alongside their win streak.
As the playoffs approach, Saturday’s matchups will serve as a critical juncture for teams vying for postseason positioning. Lions fans have plenty to keep an eye on, as the playoff picture continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The resilience shown by Detroit, amidst the uncertainty, keeps their hopes alive as they look toward their own destiny in the upcoming games.