NFL playoffs: Ranking the NFC teams still in the 2022 wildcard hunt

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 24: Shane Zylstra #84 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with his teammates after a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) /

NFL playoff hopeful #1: Detroit Lions – NFC North

The turnaround Dan Campbell has inspired in this young, hungry Lions team is nothing short of a miracle.

After starting the season 1-6, many thought the Lions to be left for dead. But then the team woke up and won 6 of their next 8 games to currently sit at 7-8, and 9th in the NFC playoff race. This is a team that no one wants to play in the playoffs, as the team has morphed into an offensive juggernaut, ranking top 5 in points, yards, and touchdowns per game in the NFL this season.

Aside from their gaudy offensive numbers, the Lions’ defense has become a strength down the stretch, leaning on contributions from 2022 draft picks Aidan Hutchinson, James Houston, Kerby Joseph, and Malcolm Rodriguez. While not perfect and still a bottom-ranked defense in points per game, the recent play in late-game situations is a sign of encouragement, including handing the 12-3 Minnesota Vikings their 3rd loss all season in the week 14 contest.

Feeding off the energy from their boisterous and confident coach, the Lions have cemented themselves as a real playoff threat this season, and have earned the #1 spot in these rankings.

With the NFC playoff race coming down to the wire this season, there will be plenty of exciting games and heartbreaking losses on the horizon with two weeks left to go in the NFL season.

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