If the playoffs started tomorrow, the Lions would be in as a wild card entry. They have a 4-2 conference record and have the head-to-head edge over other NFC contenders such as the Bears and the Cowboys.

The Lions' second-half schedule, which once seemed ominous, doesn't appear that way any more. Only the Bears and the Packers have winning records among the teams remaining on the Lions' schedule. The Giants, Eagles, Steelers, Buccaneers, Ravens and Vikings have all struggled and are below .500.
The Lions stars are being stars. Matthew Stafford is on pace to throw for 5,234 yards, 32 TDs and just 12 interceptions. Calvin Johnson is leading the NFL in receiving yards and his 17.5 yards per catch ties his career-best in a season, and is on pace to score 14 TDs, close to his career high, despite missing a game.