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What Are the Lions' Playoff Chances After Beating Cowboys?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Dec 4, 2025 11:46 PM ET

Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions entered their "Thursday Night Football" showdown with the Dallas Cowboys in eighth place in the NFC standings with a 7-5 record. That being said, they really needed a win if they wanted a shot at making the postseason.

According to the NFL, a loss would have drastically decreased their chances of making the playoffs to just 23%, down from the 43% chance they had heading into the contest.

Fortunately for the Lions, they were able to beat the surging Cowboys, 44-30. Goff threw for 309 yards and one touchdown, while completing 25 of his 34 passes. Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery were also unstoppable on the ground, combining for 103 yards and four rushing scores.

With that said, the Lions put themselves in a better position to make the playoffs.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) calls out a play during a game.Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

What Are the Lions' Playoff Chances Now After Cowboys Game?

The win bolstered the Lions' playoff chances to 58%, although they remain eighth in the conference standings.

The good news is that the Lions, at 8-5, are now just one game behind the 9-4 San Francisco 49ers for a Wild Card spot.

Sure enough, Detroit's final four games will be crucial. They will need to win out if they want a legitimate shot at making the playoffs, but it won't be easy since they are scheduled to play the two best teams in the conference in the next four weeks.

The Lions play the second-seeded Los Angeles Rams in Week 15 and then the top-seeded Chicago Bears in Week 18. Sandwiched between those showdowns are matchups with the 6-6 Pittsburgh Steelers and the 4-8 Minnesota Vikings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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