Forecasting the Rest of This Lions Season (Score Predictions)

This season has already been a blast for Lions fans, and we’re starting to enter new territory: the playoffs!

Detroit currently has a 98% chance to make the playoffs, according to playoffstatus.com after the Vikings lost to the Bears on Monday Night.

That means there’s no shame in looking forward and plotting out our path to the playoffs.

Let’s break down the rest of the regular season, with a final synopsis of where that leaves us heading into the postseason.

Detroit Lions 2023 Schedule Predictions

The Lions have already played most of their toughest opponents so far this season, which is great news for us!

Detroit should be favored in most of its games the rest of this season, which gives it an opportunity to steal some home field advantage in the playoffs.

Week 13 – Lions vs. Saints

This Saints team has been feeble offensively as it’s scored less than 20 points in three straight games.

And it’s not as if the defense has been able to make up for it, either. New Orleans is allowing 124 rush yards per game (23rd in NFL), and we all know how much Detroit LOVES to run the ball.

I see the Lions taking control of this game in a similar fashion to their win against Atlanta.

Pick: Lions 24, Saints 14

Week 14 – Lions vs. Bears

This was a nightmare the first time around, which means Dan Campbell and Co. can’t possibly let that happen again, right…?

Chicago has a surprisingly dangerous offense with Justin Fields under center, but it’s hard to see the Lions playing TWO close games against a lesser team.

The Bears also have the top rush defense in the NFL – a tough matchup for the Lions – but this offense is simply too dynamic to hold back, as we saw in the first matchup.

If Detroit is able to force Fields into an early turnover or two, this game could get out of hand fast.

Pick: Lions 31, Bears 20

Week 15 – Lions vs. Broncos

Denver has been scrappy this season and is currently riding a five-game winning streak, but its offense does NOT match up well against Detroit.

Now armed with a fully healthy Javonte Williams, the Broncos love to run the ball and the Lions are one of toughest teams to do that against (91.3 rush yards allowed per game, 5th in NFL).

The Broncos have rushed the ball 38+ times in three of their last four games and have averaged 24.5 points per game over that stretch. This could be a great game if they can keep that up, but it won’t be easy.

That means it could be up to Russell Wilson and Co. to keep up with one of the best offensive units in the NFL. Good luck!

Pick: Lions 28, Broncos 24

Week 16 – Lions vs. Vikings

It feels odd that Detroit’s first game against Minnesota in Week 16, but it might not matter.

The Vikings might not be in the NFC North race by the time this game happens, but if they are, this could be their last chance to stay in it.

That puts Detroit in a tough spot, especially considering that Justin Jefferson is back in the fold and the Lions are allowing 227.5 yards per game (20th in NFL).

This could certainly be a spot where the Lions falter.

Pick: Vikings 28, Lions 24

Week 17 – Lions vs. Cowboys

This could be where we start to get a little uneasy as Lions fans. If we come into this matchup with a loss to the Bears or Vikings (God forbid both!), this game suddenly becomes more important.

Dallas has been one of the most explosive and balanced teams in the NFL this season. They’ve averaged 31.5 points per game (most in NFL), while also allowing just 16.8 points per game (4th best in NFL).

We all know how the Lions defense fares against dangerous offenses (Ravens and Chargers), and it’s hard to see how they stop Dallas from creeping close (or past) 30 points.

Pick: Cowboys 31, Lions 24

Week 18 – Lions vs. Vikings

I could easily see the Lions splitting this series, or even taking both, but I’d find it hard to believe that the Vikings win both.

Since we already gave Detroit a loss in this back-and-forth, let’s give them a win this time around. Sure, the Lions could be resting several starters – at least for the second half – but this Minnesota team will also likely be playing with nothing on the line.

And do you really think Dan Campbell is going to give up on the opportunity for one more win?

Pick: Lions 28, Vikings 21

2023 Lions Regular Season Summary

This projection has the Lions ending the regular season at 12-5, almost certainly winning the NFC North for the first time in franchise history.

Where Detroit stands beyond its division is tough to say.

Currently, the Lions are two games behind the Eagles and it’s unlikely they pass them for the top spot in the NFC and a first-round bye.

However, Detroit is tied for the second-best record in the conference with San Francisco, and that race will certainly be worth watching down the stretch. If the Lions finish with the second-best record in the conference, they’ll get home-field advantage until they meet Philadelphia!

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.