Lions Playoff Hopes Plummet After Thanksgiving Defeat to Division Rival Packers

The Detroit Lions’ postseason aspirations took a severe hit on Thanksgiving Day. They fell 31-24 to the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. The loss dropped Detroit to a 7-5 record. It also slashed their playoff probability to just 45%.

According to playoff models from Pro Football Network, the Lions’ chances now sit at 44.8%. This defeat is their second to Green Bay this season. It places them third in the NFC North behind the Bears and Packers with six games left.

Packers Seal Victory with Clutch Fourth-Down Conversion

The game turned on a decisive late play. On fourth-and-3, Packers quarterback Jordan Love found receiver Dontayvion Wicks for a 16-yard gain. That conversion effectively ended Detroit’s comeback hopes.

Green Bay’s defense sealed the win with pressure on Lions QB Jared Goff. The Packers scored 14 points in the third quarter to build a lead they never relinquished. Love finished with four touchdown passes in a commanding performance.

The win gives Green Bay an 8-3-1 record. More crucially, it hands them the head-to-head tiebreaker over Detroit. This could be vital for final playoff seeding in the crowded NFC North.

Injury-Plagued Lions Face Uphill Climb to January

Detroit’s offense was already compromised. Starting center Graham Glasgow missed the game with a knee injury. The Lions have now lost four of their last seven contests, a troubling trend.

Quarterback Jared Goff played well despite the pressure. He completed 20 of 26 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Goff even scrambled for a 24-yard run, showing his mobility.

Help is arriving soon. Veteran center Frank Ragnow is returning from retirement. The four-time Pro Bowler is expected back around Week 14. His presence should stabilize a struggling offensive line.

Analyzing the Narrowing Path to the Playoffs

The Lions’ margin for error has nearly vanished. They now sit one game behind the Chicago Bears in the division. Catching the Packers will be difficult after losing twice to them.

Detroit’s remaining schedule is challenging. Games against Dallas and other playoff contenders await. The team likely needs to win at least four of its final six games to have a realistic shot.

The wild card race is equally congested. Several NFC teams are competing for three available spots. Every loss now significantly impacts the Lions’ standing in that crowded field.

The Lions’ playoff chances now hinge on a swift turnaround. Their resilience will be tested over the final six weeks. The road to January just became much steeper for Detroit.

Thought you’d like to know-

What are the Lions’ exact playoff odds now?

After the loss, statistical models give Detroit a 44.8% chance to make the postseason. This is a sharp decline from their probability just a few weeks ago.

Can the Lions still win the NFC North?

Mathematically, yes. They trail Chicago by one game. However, losing the tiebreaker to Green Bay makes winning the division more difficult.

How many games do the Lions need to win?

Most analysts believe 10 wins are needed for a wild card spot. That means Detroit must finish at least 4-2 over their final six games.

Will Frank Ragnow’s return help?

Yes. The Pro Bowl center’s return should greatly improve pass protection and run blocking. This is crucial for offensive consistency.

Who has the easier remaining schedule?

Green Bay’s schedule appears slightly more favorable than Detroit’s. The Lions face several strong opponents, including the Cowboys.