How the Lions can clinch the playoffs in Week 14, breaking down the 10 scenarios

We are officially in the playoff push ladies and gentlemen. The Detroit Lions are fighting for the first seed in the NFC and the NFC North championship. We've already outlined their fastest path to that. Today we're going to talk about how the Lions can clinch a playoff berth this week. Here's their scenarios.  Easiest […]

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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We are officially in the playoff push ladies and gentlemen. The Detroit Lions are fighting for the first seed in the NFC and the NFC North championship. We've already outlined their fastest path to that. Today we're going to talk about how the Lions can clinch a playoff berth this week. Here's their scenarios. 

Easiest scenario

Just win on Thursday and you're in. It doesn't get any easier than that. The Lions will be 12-1 and at the very least will be guaranteed to play in the playoffs. 

The scenarios where you're relying on other teams

  1. ATL loss or tie + SEA-ARI tie
  2. ATL loss or tie + ARI loss + LAR loss or tie
  3. ATL loss or tie + LAR loss or tie + PHI win
  4. ATL loss or tie + SEA loss + PHI win
  5. ATL loss or tie + ARI loss + PHI win + DET clinches at least a tie in strength of victory tiebreaker over PHI
  6. TB loss or tie + SEA-ARI tie
  7. TB loss or tie + ARI loss + LAR loss or tie
  8. TB loss or tie + LAR loss or tie + PHI win
  9. TB loss or tie + SEA loss + PHI win

If the Lions were to lose on Thursday, they can still clinch if one of these nine scenarios happens. The easiest one of them all has to be scenario two. The Falcons play the Vikings in Minnesota, the Cardinals take on the Seahawks and the Rams are facing the red hot Bills. All games where those teams can defintley lose. 

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