Detroit Lions 7-7 Following New York Jets Win, Looking to Make Playoffs

It’s been a Cinderella season for the Detroit Lions. The team started the season 1-6 and were the brunt of many NFL jokes, per usual. Then, something happened. Actually, something magical happened. The Lions started winning games. And then never stopped.

Now, the Lions are 7-7 and in playoff contention. It seems the entire NFL is pulling for these underdogs.

So, what are the chances of the Lions making a playoff appearance? According to FiveThirtyEight.com, the Lions currently have a 42 percent chance to make the playoffs. That’s huge. Winning all three of our remaining games would result in a 97% chance to make the playoffs. That’s not too bad. I’ll take those odds.

Rookie defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has been a major addition to the Lions’ defense this season. Head coach Dan Campbell says he improved quickly and is a big factor in their rebound.

“I think the progression is just overall as a football player in this league,” Campbell said (via Sports Illustrated). “Because that’s really what he is. He’s a pass-rusher, he can pass rush. He’s a run defender, he’s a run defender. He can drop into coverage. He’s a football player, like he is versatile. He’s got a knack for run-action pass when they’re doing it. He can kind of sniff those things out.”

He added that Hutchinson has a wisdom about the game. Campbell explained, “He understands, and has a few things in his repertoire, as it pertains to rushing the quarterback. He plays stout on the edge in the run game. He finishes, he’s high motor. He’s got a knack for trying to punch at balls, footballs, that is. He does everything — he just does — and that, to me, it’s not just one thing, it’s the totality of it. He does everything, and has gotten that much better.”