The Detroit Lions improved their record to 11-1 on Thanksgiving after beating their division rival, the Chicago Bears, 23-20. And, in the process, the Lions kept their hopes of clinching a playoff berth in Week 13 alive.

That’s right, the Lions have an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot right as we turn the calendar to December. The Lions are one of three teams who entered the week having that opportunity, along with the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.

While the Bills are still in limbo like the Lions, the Chiefs have already punched their ticket to the 2024 postseason after beating the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday, 19-17.

In order for the Lions to clinch a playoff berth this week, they’re going to need a lot of help. Here’s a look at the six scenarios, all of which will need an assist from multiple teams.

Detroit Lions playoff-clinching scenarios

1. DET win + SF loss or tie + ARI loss or tie + SEA loss + TB loss or tie

2. DET win + SF loss or tie + ARI loss + SEA tie + TB loss or tie

3. DET win + SF loss or tie + ARI loss or tie + SEA loss + WAS loss or tie + ATL loss

4. DET win + SF loss or tie + ARI loss or tie + SEA loss + WAS loss + ATL tie

5. DET win + SF loss or tie + ARI loss + SEA tie + WAS loss or tie + ATL loss

6. DET win + SF loss or tie + ARI loss + SEA tie + WAS loss + ATL tie

Detroit Lions fans rooting guide

So, here’s a rundown of what Lions fans should be rooting for on Sunday.

San Francisco 49ers: Loss or tie (at Buffalo Bills)

Arizona Cardinals: Loss or tie (at Minnesota Vikings)

Seattle Seahawks: Loss or tie (at New York Jets)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Loss or tie (at Carolina Panthers)

Washington Commanders: Loss or tie (vs. Tennessee Titans)

Atlanta Falcons: Loss or tie (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)

While the Niners, Falcons and Cardinals have tough matchups, the Seahawks, Bucs and Commanders are facing some of the worst teams in the NFL, which makes Detroit’s chances of clinching an even bigger long shot.

But this is the NFL, so never say never. And, even if the Lions don’t clinch this week, it’s just a matter of time before they do.