Back-to-Back Losses Knock Detroit Out of the Playoff Race
The disappointment of the past week is a familiar feeling for veteran Lions fans. Detroit has been officially eliminated from the playoffs in a year where they were actually considered legitimate contenders, following back-to-back losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings. Missing the postseason is nothing new, but after a season with such high expectations, the way it ended has been difficult to accept.
The final blow to Detroit’s season ultimately came on Christmas Day in Minnesota, where repeated execution issues led to a devastating 23-10 loss to the Vikings. Detroit had not lost two games in a row in nearly three years. When it finally happened, everything was on the line.
Too Many Missed Opportunities
The Lions had chances in both losses but failed to capitalize. Against Minnesota, turnovers and stalled drives kept Detroit from ever gaining control, while short possessions repeatedly put the defense in difficult positions.
Similar issues were present in Pittsburgh as well. Opportunities were there, but they were not taken. In late December, these are often the types of mistakes that can be the difference between staying alive in the playoff race and getting sent home early.
An Offseason Starting Ahead of Schedule
This year, instead of preparing for January football, the Lions will unfortunately face some huge decisions. There were defensive issues that lingered throughout the season, but became more visible once the offense could no longer control the game. Detroit struggled to maintain balance when it mattered most.
The offseason is set to bring decisions that didn’t seem necessary just a few weeks ago.
One Final Game in Chicago
The Detroit Lions will finish their 2025 season on the road against Chicago. Although their fate has already been decided, head coach Dan Campbell has made it clear that this game still matters, stressing effort and accountability despite the circumstances.
There is, however, still a silver lining tied to the outcome. Where Detroit finishes will affect its 2026 schedule; last place would give the Lions a fourth-place schedule next season, offering a more manageable group of opponents compared to division winners.
It does not change the disappointment of last season, but it does matter as Detroit ends the year and fully turns its attention towards the offseason.