What are the Lions Playoff Chances?
The Lions playoff chances are 62.3%. Traditionally a laughingstock, Detroit enters 2023 with great expectations. Below is a look at how the oddsmakers currently project the Lions’ chances of reaching the postseason and doing damage once they get there.
Given Detroit’s -165 odds to make the playoffs according to DraftKings Sportsbook, we used implied probability to calculate that into a percentage. That equates to a 62.3% chance. Although the Lions haven’t made the playoffs since 2016, Detroit has the fifth-best postseason odds in the NFC behind the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers.
The Detroit Lions have not won a division title since 1993 but will enter the 2023 season as a heavy favorite in the NFC North. With the Green Bay Packers rebuilding, the Minnesota Vikings set to release Dalvin Cook and the Chicago Bears coming off a three-win season, the Lions currently hold a 43.5% chance to win the division. Among the projected division winners, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, that ranks just seventh out of eight division favorites.
Finally, Detroit has better than a 9% chance to make the Super Bowl and a 4.4% chance of taking home the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Although neither are currently available, the New York Times’ Postseason Simulator and ESPN Football Power Index can be helpful tools in determining a team’s playoff chances as well.
We also have you covered for a more detailed look at the Lions Super Bowl Odds.
Detroit Lions Playoff Chances: Key Offseason Updates June 2023
As the offseason continues, rosters are far from being finalized. Below is a look at some of the key moves made by the Lions this offseason.
- 📆 May 12-15, 2023: Lions conduct Rookie Minicamp
- 📆 April 27, 2023: Selected RB Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, plus seven other rookies (including QB Hendon Hooker).
- 📆 March 20, 2023: Signed S C.J. Gardner-Johnson. As a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, Gardner-Johnson led the NFL with six interceptions last season.
- 📆 March 16, 2023: Signed RB David Montgomery. Montgomery has more than 3,600 yards rushing in four NFL seasons.
- 📆 March 15, 2023: Re-signed LB Alex Anzalone. Anzalone led Detroit with 125 total tackles in 2022.
As the offseason continues, we will keep you updated on the latest developments in Detroit. Be sure to check back.
Where Can I Bet on the Lions to Make the Playoffs?
Fortunately for sports fans in the Great Lakes State, Michigan sports betting is legal. Of the major Michigan sportsbooks, DraftKings sportsbook was among the first to offer odds for betting on Detroit and the NFL’s other 31 teams to make the playoffs. Most of the other Michigan sportsbooks quickly followed suite.
As the offseason moves on, sportsbooks will update playoff odds to keep them current. To make the most of the playoff odds, you will want to take advantage of Michigan sportsbook promo codes.
Looking Ahead: Lions Playoff Picture
If there was a year in recent memory that the Detroit Lions were expected to make the playoffs, it’s this one. The Lions closed 2022 as one of the hottest teams in the NFL, capping the season with a 20-16 road win over the Green Bay Packers. The victory not only eliminated Green Bay from playoff contention but ended quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ legendary tenure.
The offseason hasn’t been overly busy for Detroit, but re-signing Alex Azalone, the team’s leading tackler, and bringing in safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson from the Philadelphia Eagles are commendable moves that should help a dreadful defense.
Detroit also sought to add some playmakers on offense. Although many may not like the idea of taking a running back with the 13th overall pick, Jahmyr Gibbs is extremely versatile. Prior to his time at Alabama, he was recognized as an All-ACC performer at Georgia Tech in three different areas – running back, all-purpose back and kick returner. David Montgomery will join Gibbs in a new-look backfield.
Behind center, Jared Goff, a former No. 1 overall pick, quietly had an outstanding year in 2022. As an offense, Detroit ranked in the top five in the NFL in yards and points per game. Defensively, however, Detroit allowed more yards than any team in the league. That will have to improve in 2023 for the Lions to make some serious noise.
Do the Lions Have a Chance to Make the Playoffs?
The Detroit Lions are absolutely a playoff contender in 2023. Had it not been for a 1-6 start, Detroit would have made the playoffs last season. Given the way the Lions can score, they may have been a scary opponent.
The Lions will enter the season as the odds-on favorite to win the NFC North. It will be the case for every team in the NFC North, but the schedule has its challenges. In addition to six division games and other games against second-place teams from last year, the Lions will play a weak NFC South and an AFC West, which includes the Los Angeles Chargers and reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs. The Lions will head to Arrowhead Stadium for opening night. Eight of Detroit’s 17 games will come against teams that made the playoffs last year.
Lions Season Win Total 2023
The Detroit Lions find themselves near the center of attention in the sports betting markets with a compelling season win total of 9.5. If you think the Lions will win 10 or more games for the first time since 2016, you should take the over. However, if you feel that Michigan sportsbooks have gotten a little too optimistic about the Lions, take the under.
There is little discrepancy in the Futures market for NFL Season Win totals, but it is still important to look at odds across multiple sportsbooks to find the best odds.
Detroit Lions Schedule 2023
Take a look at the 2023 schedule and determine for yourself if you think the Lions will go over or under their season win total.
Are the Lions Out of Playoffs?
No, given that the start of the regular season is roughly four months away, no team has been eliminated from the playoffs yet. Unlike most seasons, the Lions don’t expect to be out of playoff contention before January.
Oddsmakers see Detroit as a playoff team in 2023. Seven teams in each conference make the postseason. Among teams in the NFC, Detroit has the fifth-best odds of making the playoffs. Among NFC North teams, only the Minnesota Vikings currently rank in the top seven in the conference when it comes to playoff odds.
We will continue to update this section as the season kicks off and progresses.
Detroit Lions Playoffs FAQs
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Detroit Lions currently are currently listed at -165 to make the playoffs – the ninth-best odds in the NFL. That puts their playoff chances at 62.3%.
No. No team has been eliminated from postseason contention. The Lions and all 31 other NFL teams are mathematically alive. Detroit will open the NFL season against the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 7.
Yes. Technically, every team currently has a chance. As far as oddsmakers see it, the Lions are bona fide contenders.
DraftKings Sportsbook currently offers odds to wager on each of the NFL’s 32 teams, including the Lions, to make the playoffs. Other sportsbooks will likely soon follow.
Author
Mike Ferguson is a football betting analyst for BetMichigan.com. Mike spends his days browsing the latest lines for all the top NFL football betting markets to find storylines curated specifically for NFL sports bettors. Mike will also turn his attention to NBA, MLB or NHL betting lines that Michigan sports bettors might be interested in but football odds are Mike's expertise.
