The stakes are higher than ever as the Detroit Lions get ready for their historic Sunday night game against the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams are 14-2, and the victor will get the desired No. 1 seed in the NFC in addition to winning the NFC North title for the second year in a row. A win would give the Lions a much-needed week off before the playoffs start.
However, what if the unimaginable occurs and the Vikings defeat the Lions? Even while the team and supporters would prefer not to think about it, it’s crucial to examine what Detroit’s BEST worst-case scenario would be.
Best Worst-Case Scenario For Detroit Lions
If the Lions lose against the Vikings, they would slip to the No. 5 seed in the NFC, forcing them to open their playoff run on the road in the Wild Card round. The Lions’ best-worst-case scenario would be to play the Atlanta Falcons. This is how that situation would unfold.
The NFC South is won by the Atlanta Falcons. This would occur if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose to the New Orleans Saints AND the Falcons defeat the Carolina Panthers. Their head-to-head tiebreaker against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be the cause of this. For what reason is this the best-case scenario? Michael Penix, a rookie quarterback with zero playoff experience and little experience, is presently starting for the Falcons. This situation is still very much in play as of right now: the Falcons are ahead of the Panthers 24–17 at the half, while the Buccaneers are shockingly down the Saints 16–6 at the half.
Bottom Line For Detroit Lions
The Lions would have a chance to advance past the Wild Card round and still have a successful postseason run in this scenario because they would be playing the Falcons, a rather manageable opponent. Although this is still only a hypothetical situation, it is one that could happen if the Lions lose to the Vikings. The Lions might still be in a strong position going into the postseason, even in the worst-case situation.