The Lions are 7-5 and third in the NFC North, which isn't ideal, especially with all of the injuries piling up. The next two games are huge, as is getting healthy.
With the Lions sitting at 7-5 and battling a growing number of injuries, these next two games are paramount when it comes to getting into the playoffs. There was a weird Frank Ragnow situation and safety Kerby Joseph is out again. Yet somehow, the Lions are favored by 3.5 points against the Cowboys so let's see how it all plays out!
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The Lions’ playoff chances hinge significantly on the outcomes of the next two games, particularly against the Cowboys and the Rams. At 7-5, they are in third place in the NFC North and must avoid dropping to 7-6 after the Dallas game. Winning the Dallas game is a “must,” with the Rams game also being critical to stay in contention. One more loss could allow them to “squeak in” to the playoffs, but two more losses would make getting in very doubtful.
The injury bug once again biting the Lions hard
Due to numerous injuries to key playmakers and starters, the Lions’ path forward relies on secondary players stepping up and the team’s offense scoring enough to keep up in likely high-scoring, “shootout” games. While not seen as true Super Bowl contenders, the Lions are considered viable playoff hopefuls if they take care of business and “control their fate” by winning out as much as possible, instead of hoping for favorable results elsewhere in the league.
Tight end Sam LaPorta is out, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is out and as mentioned above, Kerby Joseph is out again as well. Offensive linemen Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell are on the injury report but will probably play, while the tight end room is getting thinner and thinner. It's a problem, but it's not insurmountable.
Detroit is favored over the Cowboys
The outlook for the Lions against the Cowboys is challenging but hopeful. Despite being hit hard by injuries to major offensive playmakers and much of the offensive line, the Lions are actually favored at home. Both teams have explosive offenses and vulnerable secondaries, leading to expectations of a high-scoring “shootout.”
This game is a must-win for Detroit's playoff hopes and it could be a potential trap for Dallas. Although missing St. Brown, LaPorta, and many key players lowers the Lions’ ceiling, remaining stars like Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs could produce big plays. Lions fans hope that their team can outscore the Cowboys and secure a narrow victory if their remaining playmakers step up and the offense avoids critical mistakes.
Despite being favored for Thursday Night Football, the Lions are stretched thin and relying on backups in crucial positions. While reaching the Super Bowl at this point feels unlikely, a playoff spot is still possible if they control their destiny. Quarterback Jared Goff’s recent struggles aren't very encouraging but they are understandable. With a depleted offensive line and the absence of top receiving targets, Goff's job more difficult and impacting the team’s offensive efficiency. Still, the Lions are talented, have more than a couple of explosive playmakers and a defense that can hold up when absolutely necessary.