With a score of 11-1, the Detroit Lions' entry into the playoffs is a foregone conclusion. But it's still nice, especially for this team, to have an official playoff win scenario five weeks before the season starts.
Not only can the Lions officially punch their ticket this week, they can do so in the easiest way possible: win. If Detroit beats the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, they will have the old “X” next to their name on the standings.
Even if the Lions don't win on Thursday, they can still clinch a playoff spot this week, but the scenarios are much more complicated.
Here is the full list of key scenarios for the Lions this week: (Each scenario is its own scenario):
1. Win or draw
2. ATL loss/draw + LAR loss/draw + PHI win
3. ATL loss/draw + ARI draw
4. ATL loss/draw + ARI loss + LAR loss/draw
5. ATL loss + ARI loss + PHI win + 3.5 or more combined wins from (DAL, CHI, PIT, TEN)
6. ATL loss + ARI loss + PHI win + DAL win + CHI win + 1 combined win from (PIT or TEN)
7. ATL draw + ARI loss + PHI win + DAL win + CHI win + PIT win + TEN win
8. TB loss/draw + LAR loss/draw + PHI win
9. TB loss/draw + ARI draw
10. TB loss/draw + ARI loss + LAR loss/draw
The portions in italics are results the Lions need to achieve at least a draw against the Eagles in the Strength of Victory tiebreaker.
