DETROIT – The Detroit Lions’ path to the playoffs is becoming clearer, but options are limited. They can either secure a first-round bye with home-field advantage all the way to the Super Bowl, or face the likelihood of having no home games in the postseason.

The Lions got back on track with a victory over the Bears, improving their record to 13-2. Shortly after, the Eagles fell to the Commanders, dropping to 12-3. However, the Vikings also won their game against the Seahawks, keeping pace with Detroit at 13-2. As a result, the race for the top NFC seed has now become a three-way battle.

Additional Playoff Scenarios:

• Why next week’s Lions game might not matter, or why it could be absolutely critical.
• The Lions only need one more win to clinch the No. 1 seed—though it’s still unclear which game that will be.
• A breakdown of how the Lions, Eagles, and Vikings could each end up with the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Potential Playoff Seeds:

No. 1 Seed
Can they secure it?: Yes.
The Lions can secure the No. 1 seed by winning both of their remaining games or by beating the Vikings in Week 18.
If they lose to Minnesota in Week 18, there’s still a path to the top seed. The Vikings would need to lose to the Packers in Week 17, and the Lions would need to defeat the 49ers.
Simply put, if the Packers beat the Vikings, a victory over the 49ers would give the Lions the No. 1 seed. Otherwise, a win against the Vikings in Week 18 guarantees the top spot.

No. 2 Seed
Can they secure it?: No.
To claim the No. 2 seed, the Lions would have to win at least one of their final two games, which would put them at 14-3. However, with the Eagles’ loss to the Commanders, any scenario where the Lions would have ended up with the No. 2 seed now results in them claiming the No. 1 seed instead.

No. 3 Seed
Can they secure it?: No.
Given the Lions’ 13-2 record, they cannot fall behind the NFC West-leading Rams (9-6) or the NFC South-leading Falcons (8-7). Thus, it’s impossible for Detroit to end up as the No. 3 or No. 4 seed.

No. 4 Seed
Can they secure it?: No.
Since the Lions cannot finish with a worse record than the division winners from the NFC West or NFC South, they cannot be slotted as the No. 4 seed.

No. 5 Seed
Can they secure it?: Yes.
If the Lions lose the NFC North title to the Vikings, they would still secure the top wildcard spot and end up as the No. 5 seed.

No. 6 Seed
Can they secure it?: No.
Currently, the Vikings sit atop the NFC North, and the Packers are the next wildcard team. Even if Green Bay wins its final three games, the Lions’ victories over the Packers earlier in the season would ensure they finish with a higher seed.

No. 7 Seed
Can they secure it?: No.
The Commanders are currently in possession of the No. 7 and final playoff spot at 10-5, but Detroit cannot drop five games, so the No. 7 seed is off the table for the Lions.