Updated NFC Playoff lineup: Chicago Bears provide significant assistance to Detroit Lions

An updated look at the NFC playoff picture through Week 12, and where the Detroit Lions stand.

With a tough loss on Thanksgiving, the Detroit Lions’ odds to win the division took a minor hit, and their odds to take away the No. 1 seed in the conference have all but disappeared. But much of that changed on Monday night. In an ugly NFC North bout, the Minnesota Vikings lost to the Chicago Bears after turning the ball over four times by a score of 12-10.

Let’s take a look at how that game has impacted the playoff race both in the NFC North and for the overall NFC playoff picture.

NFC North

1. Lions: 8-3
2. Vikings: 6-6
3. Packers: 5-6
4. Bears: 4-8

Detroit’s lead in the NFC North remains at 2.5 games, as it stood entering Week 12. And with the Vikings’ loss, the Lions’ odds to win the division remains at a very strong 94 percent, according to the New York Times playoff simulator.

The Lions and Vikings still play each other twice, so that can change in a hurry. But the Lions have some serious breathing room now, and that’s good news since Detroit is currently struggling.

NFC Playoff Picture

Division leaders:

1. Eagles: 10-1
2. 49ers: 8-3
3. Lions: 8-3
4. Falcons: 5-6

Wild Card race (top three advance)

1. Cowboys: 8-3
2. Seahawks: 6-5
3. Vikings: 6-6
4. Packers: 5-6
5. Rams: 5-6
6. Saints: 5-6
7. Buccaneers: 4-7
8. Giants: 4-8
9. Bears 4-8
10. Commanders: 4-8
11. Cardinals: 2-10
12. Panthers: 1-10

The Lions retain a three-game lead over the top team out of the playoff picture, but there are now three teams with that 5-6 record: the Packers, Rams, and Saints. All three of those teams are very much in the playoff picture now.