At 9-4, the Detroit Lions are on the precipice of their first postseason appearance since 2016. As of right now, only one team in the NFL—the San Francisco 49ers—has clinched their playoff ticket. But the Lions are one of four teams (Ravens, Cowboys, Eagles) who can join them this week.
There are 16 different scenarios that could happen that would guarantee a playoff berth for the Lions in Week 15.
Let’s start with the seven that involve a Lions win over the Broncos:
- Lions win + Vikings loss/tie + Seahawks loss/tie
- Lions win + Packers loss/tie + Seahawks loss/tie
- Lions win + Rams loss/tie + Seahawks loss/tie
- Lions win + Vikings loss/tie + Buccaneers loss/tie + Rams loss/tie
- Lions win + Vikings loss/tie + Falcons loss/tie + Rams loss/tie
- Lions win + Falcons loss/tie + Packers loss/tie + Rams loss/tie
- Lions win + Packers/Bucs tie + Rams loss/tie
Here are the relevant NFC matchups in Week 15 for rooting purposes:
- Broncos (7-6) at Lions (9-4) — Saturday
- Vikings (6-7) at Bengals (7-6) — Saturday
- Buccaneers (6-7) at Packers (6-7)
- Falcons (6-7) at Panthers (1-12)
- Commanders (4-9) at Rams (6-7)
- Eagles (10-3) at Seahawks (6-7) — MNF
In short, root for the Lions to win, and as many of the 6-7 NFC teams to lose.