Even though the Detroit Lions did not secure a postseason berth on Sunday, a few Week 15 outcomes undoubtedly provided them with a lot of assistance. The most significant development is that Detroit is now as near as possible to winning their first divisional championship.
The Green Bay Packers’ season record now stands at 6-8 after their loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With just nine wins allowed for 2023, they will not be able to mathematically catch up to the 10-win Lions. Yes, it is correct. Officially, there are just two teams vying for the NFC North championship. Look at this:
- Lions: 10-4
- Vikings: 7-7
- Packers: 6-8
- Bears: 5-9
With three weeks remaining, the Lions lead the Minnesota Vikings by three games. Thus, one is Detroit’s “Magic Number.” It’s over if either the Vikings or the Lions win one more game. Detroit is going to win the division.
The fact that each club has two more games against the other complicates matters. Thus, the Vikings would only need both of the Week 17 outcomes to go their way if they were to sweep the Lions. In Minnesota, the Vikings must defeat the Packers. Additionally, Detroit’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys is required. Detroit secures the division if the Lions tie with the Vikings, triumph over the Cowboys, or lose to the Packers at Minnesota.
Just avoid missing out. And prevent the Vikings from winning.
Now let’s take a look at the entire NFC playoff picture:
NFC playoff picture through Week 15 (no MNF yet)
Division leaders
- 49ers: 11-3
- Eagles: 10-3 (play on MNF)
