After a tough loss to the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles, the Detroit Lions find themselves on the outskirts of the NFC playoff seeding. The next four games are crucial for their chances of making the postseason. Here’s a brief overview of each game and how a win in each matchup could enhance their playoff positioning.

Common Opponent Victories Holds Weight

The Detroit Lions are entering their upcoming matchup against the New York Giants as strong 10.5-point favorites, with the game scheduled to take place at Ford Field this weekend. ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) indicates that the Lions have a 69.4% chance of winning.

This game carries additional significance for Detroit, as the Giants are a common opponent for both the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers, who have already defeated them earlier in the season. As the NFC North standings tighten, a loss to the Giants could prove detrimental for the Lions, particularly in the event of a tiebreaker scenario. With playoff aspirations on the line, securing a win this weekend is crucial for maintaining their competitive edge in the division.

Redemption For Week One Loss At Lambeau

A victory for the Lions against the Packers on Thanksgiving would serve as an important redemption for their earlier loss in the season's first matchup. This win would not only boost the Lions' morale but also mark the Green Bay Packers' first division loss of the year, adding a crucial twist to the competitive NFC North landscape. As the Packers prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings this weekend, their focus may be divided.

Currently, Green Bay holds the sixth playoff position in the NFC, making every game vital as teams jockey for postseason placement. The Lions, on the other hand, are looking to improve their standings and solidify their playoff aspirations. In terms of odds, ESPN's FPI gives the Lions a 55% chance of securing a win on Thanksgiving Day, indicating a favorable outlook, although the matchup promises to be challenging. With the stakes high for both teams, the game is bound to be a thrilling encounter for fans on this festive day.

Possible NFC Tiebreaker

The Dallas Cowboys are set to visit for the concluding game of the Lions' three-game home stretch. As a common opponent, the Cowboys have recently lost to the Bears and tied with the Packers, reflecting their current challenges in the NFC. This matchup is particularly significant as it could play a crucial role in shaping potential tiebreaker scenarios later in the season. According to ESPN's FPI, the Lions hold a promising 64.4% chance of securing a victory against Dallas, highlighting their favorable position going into this game. This win could bolster their playoff aspirations and solidify their standings within the competitive NFC.

Winning Against Their Former Quarterback Would Be A Big Step

The final game involves the Lions traveling to Los Angeles to face former quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams at SoFi Stadium. Currently, the Rams are in a strong position as the number two seed in the NFC. If the Lions can secure a win in LA, it would significantly enhance their playoff chances. They have won two of the last three matchups against the Rams, with a combined margin of just seven points, so they are eager to even the score. Interestingly, this is the only game where ESPN's FPI predicts that the Rams have a higher chance of winning, giving them a 54% likelihood of victory.

As the Lions gear up for this crucial stretch, every game will be vital in solidifying their place in the playoff race. Winning these matchups could set them on a path not only towards the postseason but also towards becoming a serious contender in the NFC.