By Sunday 
The bye week’s in the rearview, and the Detroit Lions are sitting pretty at 5–2, right on the heels of the Packers in the NFC North. But now comes the real test — the stretch that will define whether this team is just good… or truly built for January.
Here’s a bold prediction for every game left on Detroit’s regular-season slate.
Week 9 vs. Minnesota Vikings — Ford Field Fireworks
J.J. McCarthy’s return won’t go as planned. The rookie QB is talented, sure, but facing Aidan Hutchinson and Brian Branch after a bye week? That’s a recipe for chaos. Jared Goff stays hot, Amon-Ra St. Brown eats, and the Lions handle business at home.
Bold Take: Detroit rolls 31–20 and sets the tone for the stretch run.
Week 10 at Washington Commanders — Trap Game Dodged
This one’s trickier than it looks. Washington’s defense can sting, but Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery balance the offense perfectly. The Lions stay patient, win the turnover battle, and walk away with another one.
Bold Take: Gibbs goes over 100 total yards in a statement game.
Week 11 at Philadelphia Eagles — A Grit Test in Prime Time
This is where we see what Detroit’s made of. The Eagles’ defensive front is still a nightmare, and Ford Field flash meets Philly toughness. Sam LaPorta shines as Goff’s go-to weapon, but a late turnover costs them.
Bold Take: Lions fall 30–27 — and learn exactly what they’ll need to fix for the playoffs.
Week 12 vs. New York Giants — Defense Dominates
If there’s one game to circle for Detroit’s defense, it’s this one. Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes go full throttle, and the Lions dominate time of possession.
Bold Take: Hutchinson records two sacks as Detroit cruises 33–16.
Week 13 vs. Green Bay Packers (Thanksgiving Game) — Sweet Revenge Served Hot
After losing to Green Bay in Week 1, the Lions get a holiday redemption arc at home. Expect fireworks from Jameson Williams and plenty of crowd energy at Ford Field.
Bold Take: Goff cooks, the Lions win 34–24, and the turkey tastes extra sweet.
Week 14 vs. Dallas Cowboys — Prime Time Heartbreaker (For Dallas)
It’s Thursday night under the lights, and all eyes are on Jared Goff. The Cowboys hang tight, but Detroit’s offense executes a perfect two-minute drill to steal it late.
Bold Take: Goff throws the game-winning touchdown to LaPorta in the final minute.
Week 15 at Los Angeles Rams — Stafford vs. the City That Built Him
Every Lions fan knows the emotions behind this one. Matthew Stafford vs. his old team always delivers. But this time, the Rams’ defense edges out Detroit in a nail-biter.
Bold Take: Lions lose 23–20, but Hutchinson forces a key fumble that keeps it close.
Week 16 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers — Out-Physical the Physical
The Steelers bring the hits, but the Lions bring the endurance. Gibbs and Montgomery grind out a classic Dan Campbell win.
Bold Take: Detroit controls time of possession for 40+ minutes and wins 26–17.
Week 17 at Minnesota Vikings (Christmas Day) — Silent Night, Loud Win
Christmas football on Netflix? Sign us up. This one’s going to be tense, but Goff and St. Brown play hero late.
Bold Take: Lions edge it 30–27 with a walk-off field goal — Merry Christmas, Detroit.
Week 18 at Chicago Bears — Finishing Strong
If the Lions still need a win to clinch seeding, expect them to come out firing. The Bears can’t keep up with Detroit’s balance.
Bold Take: Lions drop 35 on Chicago and roll into the playoffs at 13–4, NFC North champs.
The Bottom Line: “Not the Same Old Lions”
Dan Campbell’s group has been saying it for two years — and now they’re proving it. This team isn’t just playing hard; they’re playing smart. If Goff stays efficient, Branch and Hutchinson stay healthy, and that offensive line keeps bullying people, Detroit isn’t just making the playoffs…
They’re built to win in January.