Detroit Lions flop in Minnesota: Dave Birkett, Jeff Seidel analysis
Dave Birkett, Jeff Seidel talk Detroit Lions flop at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025.
Can the Detroit Lions make the 2025 NFL playoffs?
Unfortunately for Lions fans, the answer is no.
The Lions were officially eliminated from the playoff in Week 17 when they lost on the road to the Minnesota Vikings, 23-10, on Christmas Day in depressing fashion.
It was a flat performance pretty much from start to finish as the Lions turned the ball over six times and couldn’t beat a Vikings team that could barely muster 100 yards.
The loss was the final cherry on top to a frustrating end to the season as the Lions have dropped three straight games against the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers and Vikings.
But the show must go on, as the Lions will finish the season against the Chicago Bears on the road in Week 18 with a beat up team just trying to get to the finish line.
Lions coach Dan Campbell has said that if guys are healthy, they will play vs. the Bears, but they won’t risk anything long term by rushing guys back.
Key players like right tackle Penei Sewell and linebacker Alex Anzalone have already been ruled out, as have offensive lineman Trystan Colon (broken wrist), safety Thomas Harper (concussion) and defensive tackle Alim McNeill (oblique).
Five other players were listed as questionable: Left tackle Taylor Decker, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive linemen Christian Mahogany, Gio Manu and Kayode Awosika.
When do NFL playoffs start?
The wild-card round is next Saturday-Monday, Jan. 10-12.
NFL playoffs schedule
- Wild-card round: Jan. 10-12
- Divisional round: Jan. 17-18
- Conference championships: Jan. 25
- Super Bowl 60: Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, California
Andrew Birkle is an assistant sports editor for the Free Press. Contact him via email at [email protected].
