Heading into November, no one could’ve imagined that the Lions’ season hinged on what would happen on the final weekend of the regular season in Green Bay. Detroit at the time was coming off a 31-27 loss to the Miami Dolphins, their fifth straight dropping their record to 1-6 on the season.
It’s quite remarkable when you think about it.
Just two months ago, the Lions were thought to be dead in the water and on their way to another typical Detroit season where they might rattle off a couple of meaningless wins at the end of the year but for the most part, were looking ahead to next years draft and their two picks in the first round.
Instead though, after today’s 41-10 drubbing of the Chicago Bears, coming off an embarrassing outing against the Panthers last weekend, the Lions have a realistic shot of completing one of the more amazing turnarounds in NFL history. Seriously, Detroit isn’t entering the final weekend needing a bunch of different scenarios to hit to secure a postseason spot. They’re looking at a very realistic possibility.
So what needs to happen?
It’s really very simple. Detroit needs to head into Lambeau next weekend and put Aaron Rodgers on his fucking ass, which is no longer impossible for the Lions. Go into Green Bay next weekend and beat the Packers and you’re halfway there.
Next, the Rams need to beat the Seahawks. Since Seattle owns the tiebreaker over the Lions after their win in Week 4, a Seahawks win over the Rams next weekend puts them through to the postseason no matter what Detroit does against the Packers.
If that all happens, which again certainly isn’t out of the realm of possibility then the Lions are in. Unfortunately, we’re not in a position where Green Bay is playing for nothing, we actually have to cheer for the Rams, and we have to go to Lambeau. However, given how Detroit has essentially played all season, this isn’t the same Lions team that we’re typically used to. No matter how much a self-hating Lions fan may want to think otherwise.
Imagine this incredibly unlikely storyline next weekend though. The Lions win (not unlikely at all) but Matthew Stafford coming off the IR to lead the Rams to a win in Seattle while also propelling Detroit into the playoffs.
