They are not automatically out, but a loss would make their path very difficult. Current projections show their playoff odds dropping sharply with another loss, but not to zero.
Current situation
Reports after their recent loss indicate the Lions are around 8–6 and sitting outside the NFC playoff spots, with odds in roughly the 25–40% range depending on the model. Those same analyses note that a loss in the highlighted game would drop their playoff probability from about 50% to roughly 40% or lower, not eliminate them.
What a loss means
If they lose, Detroit would likely need to win all or nearly all of their remaining games and also get help from teams ahead of them (like the Bears, Packers, 49ers and others) dropping games. Several scenario breakdowns say a loss puts them potentially two games back of a wild card with only three to play, which is tough but not mathematically impossible.
Key takeaway
So, if the Lions lose, they are not instantly eliminated from the playoffs, but their chances fall and they move into “must-win and need help” territory for the final weeks.
