https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/preview/NFL_20181216_DET@BUF/
[snip] The Detroit Lions [5-8-0] are technically alive in the NFC playoff hunt, although they would have to vault seven other teams over the final three weeks of the season. [/snip]
according to https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/standings/playoffrace the seven teams are:
Minnesota (6-6-1), Carolina (6-7-0) which plays New Orleans twice with Atlanta in the middle, Philadelphia (6-7-0) (Rams, Texans, Redskins), Washington (6-7-0) (Jaguars, Titans, Eagles), Green Bay (5-7-1), Tampa Bay (5-8-0) (Ravens, Cowboys, Falcons), and N.Y. Giants (5-8-0) (Titans, Colts, Cowboys).
Detroit plays @ Buffalo; then vs Minnesota (they play Miami, then Chicago); season closer @ Green Bay (Bears, Jets, Detroit).
Since there are two 6-7-0 teams playing each other in that group of seven, it would appear that the best outcome for Detroit to get the help it needs would have them win three straight (otherwise, the rest is moot), the Vikings lose three in a row, the Packers get to 9 losses (including against Detroit), Carolina lose 2 out of 3, Eagles beat the Redskins and lose their other two games (actually not unlikely), and Tampa and Giants lose one more game each (that looks likely), and that would leave me with a dry mouth from having my jaw on the floor.
Da Bears (Packers, Niners, Vikings) need to beat GB and Minnesota or Detroit is out, Chicago wins the division regardless, and will probably run the table, even if their motivation falls off a bit, finishing regular season play with 11-5-0 or 10-6-0.
The Cowboys (Colts, Tampa Bay, Giants) beating the Buccaneers and then the Giants would leave them at 10-6-0 even with a loss to the Colts, but at this point I doubt that will happen. No impact on the Lions, apart from possibly hosting the Lions in the first round of the playoffs, y’know, assuming Hell freezes over and stuff. From this vantage point, if the Lions leap these seven teams, their first postseason matchup will be against the Bears, the Cowboys, or the Seahawks.
The Seahawks (Niners, Chiefs, Cards) are likely to end up no worse than 9-7-0, and have been playing better down the stretch. If they wind up running the table, they’ll push past the Cowboys with 11-5-0. That would be astonishing.
Top matchups to watch in Lions vs. Bills
ByMax DeMara Dec 11, 2:23 PM
https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Lions-Bills-top-matchups-to-watch-126224167/
Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills: Scouting report and prediction
Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press Published 9:51 a.m. ET Dec. 14, 2018
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/12/14/detroit-lions-buffalo-bills-scouting-report-prediction/2307688002/
And, that's their season.
I consider Matt Patricia to be their rebound relationship. If the 2019 season starts (first four or five games and they have a losing record, he'll be gone. He does not have the skills.