The Detroit Lions are 0-10-1. They are on pace for their second winless season in less than 20 years, yet they are not yet out of the playoff chase.
Being 0-10-1 11 games into an NFL season is not fun for anyone. For Detroit Lions fans, it’s especially not fun because the fan base has already had to endure a completely winless season before.
Even though the Detroit Lions remain winless in 2021, there remains a path to the postseason with only six games left to play.
So you’re telling me there’s a chance?
The Detroit Lions still have a (long) shot at the playoffs in 2021
Amazingly, entering Week 13 of the 2021 NFL season, it’s true. And even one game into Week 13, things are going the Detroit Lions’ way already.
CBS Sports posted this graphic showing the hilariously impossible path to the playoffs for Dan Campbell’s knee-biting crew:
We've identified a path to the playoffs for the 0-10-1 Lions ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/IrP7ArnRYo
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 2, 2021
Yes, the Lions would have to win out and finish the season 6-10-1 to have any shot at the postseason. Yes, literally all of these other things would have to happen as well.
Good for the crew over at CBS for discovering this path to the playoffs for the Lions, and for the optimistic Lions fan — the Cowboys already beat the Saints. You’re well on your way!
In all honesty, it’s hard to see the Lions finishing another season winless. They have come close to a few victories this season but just don’t have the talent right now to close out games.
At some point, the ball is likely to bounce the Lions’ direction and they should be able to come away with at least one victory this season, maybe a couple. But playoffs?
Again, that idea is completely tongue in cheek at this point. The path laid before you here is bordering on impossible, but it’s impressive that a winless team through 12 weeks of a season is not mathematically eliminated yet.