### Detroit Lions' Playoff Hopes Hang by a Thread After Heartbreaking Loss to Steelers The Detroit Lions faced a devastating setback in their quest for the NFL playoffs, suffering a 29-24 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 21, 2025. This loss significantly diminished their playoff chances, dropping their odds to a mere 6% as they entered the final stretch of the season. The Lions now find themselves in a precarious position, needing to win their last two games while relying on the Green Bay Packers to lose their remaining matches to keep their postseason hopes alive [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lions-playoff-hopes-nearly-dead-005221794.html][https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lions-playoffs-detroits-scenarios-odds-011331039.html]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation for the Lions 1. **Recent Performance**: The Lions' loss to the Steelers was marked by a lackluster offensive performance, particularly in the running game, where they managed only 15 rushing yards compared to the Steelers' 481 total yards [https://www.wjr.com/2025/12/21/detroit-lions-playoff-odds-fall-close-to-zero-after-loss-to-steelers.html]. 2. **Playoff Scenarios**: To have any chance of making the playoffs, the Lions must: - Win their final two games against the Minnesota Vikings and another opponent. - Hope that the Green Bay Packers lose their last two games [https://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-lions-path-to-nfl-playoffs-after-steelers-loss/ddrysdale/detroit-lions/12/21/2025/481716]. 3. **Public and Media Reaction**: The national media has expressed skepticism about the Lions' playoff chances, highlighting the team's struggles and the slim likelihood of their postseason aspirations materializing [https://www.mlive.com/lions/2025/12/whats-being-said-nationally-after-lions-playoff-odds-sink-with-loss-to-steelers.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Game Statistics**: - **Lions' Rushing Yards**: 15 yards - **Steelers' Total Offense**: 481 yards - **Playoff Odds**: Dropped to **6%** after the loss [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lions-playoff-chances-loss-steelers-011004985.html]. - **Remaining Schedule**: Must win against the **Minnesota Vikings** and another opponent to stay in contention [https://www.wjr.com/2025/12/21/detroit-lions-playoff-odds-fall-close-to-zero-after-loss-to-steelers.html]. ### Conclusion: A Long Shot for the Lions In summary, the Detroit Lions' playoff hopes are critically low following their recent loss to the Steelers. The path to the postseason is clear but fraught with challenges: 1. **Immediate Need for Wins**: The Lions must secure victories in their final two games. 2. **Dependence on Packers' Performance**: They must also rely on the Packers to falter in their last two games. 3. **Media Sentiment**: The general consensus is that the Lions are on "thinnest ice" regarding playoff viability [https://www.themorningsun.com/2025/12/21/last-play-td-nullified-loss-to-steelers-puts-staggering-lions-on-thinnest-ice-for-making-playoffs.html]. The Lions' season is not over yet, but the odds are heavily stacked against them as they strive for a miracle finish to their campaign [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lions-eliminated-playoffs-loss-vs-094722406.html].