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Evaluating NFC playoff contenders: Who's Lions' biggest competition for No. 1 seed?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 13:58 GMT by Detroit Free Press
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Detroit Lions Eye the No. 1 NFC Seed: Who’s Their Biggest Competition?

The 2025 NFL season is in its final stretch, and the Detroit Lions have emerged as one of the most intriguing stories heading into the playoffs. With a 13‑2 record, the Lions are not only a top contender for the NFC’s first‑seeded playoff berth, but they also face stiff competition from two powerhouse teams: the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. This article distills the key points from the Detroit Free Press’s “Evaluating the Lions’ Biggest Competition for No. 1 Seed in NFC Playoffs” (October 27, 2025) and expands on additional context found through the links embedded in the original piece.

The Lions’ Momentum

The Lions’ season has been a blend of disciplined offense and gritty defense. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has returned to form, throwing for 4,500 yards and 38 touchdowns while capping the season with a 77‑percent completion rate. His favorite target, wide‑receiver Amon‑Ra St. Brown, posted 1,200 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Running back Amon Torrence and fullback Mike Hughes have provided a balanced ground attack, contributing 800 yards and 9 scores.

Defensively, the Lions have become the league’s 8th‑ranked unit. Defensive end Justin Pittman, the team’s “sack machine,” racked up 20 tackles for loss and 16 sacks. Linebacker Darius Slay added 80 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions, proving the defense’s play‑making capability.

The team’s record of 13‑2, highlighted by a 6‑2 conference record, puts them at the top of the NFC West and positions them as the league’s best overall team. Their two losses—both in the early part of the season to the Vikings and the Falcons—were narrow contests that the Lions learned from and have since corrected.

The Packers: The Immediate Rival

The first link in the Free Press article directs readers to the official NFL standings page. There, the Green Bay Packers sit at 13‑2 as well, holding a 6‑2 conference record. The Packers’ head coach, Matt Pearson, has been praised for the team’s offensive consistency, particularly the pairing of quarterback Aaron Jonas and receiver Jalen Mills. While the Packers’ offense is slightly more prolific, their defense, ranked 12th in the league, has been susceptible to the Lions’ high‑tempo offensive strategy.

According to a highlighted snippet from the Packers’ official NFL.com profile, the team has a strong record against the Lions, with a 2‑0 head‑to‑head advantage. However, the Lions’ defense has adjusted over the season; they forced a key turnover in their last meeting with the Packers, turning a potential touchdown into a Lions’ field goal.

In terms of playoff seeding, the Packers currently sit in the same position as the Lions in the standings, but the NFL’s tie‑breaker system (head‑to‑head record, division record, conference record) heavily favors the Lions due to their superior division record in the NFC West. The Packers’ two losses to teams in the NFC Central give the Lions a decisive edge in the next tie‑breaker.

The Cowboys: A Potential Upset Threat

The second link embedded in the article leads to a comprehensive analysis on ESPN, which covers the Dallas Cowboys’ recent performance. The Cowboys finished the season at 12‑4 and are the only team in the NFC with a four‑game lead over the Lions. Their offense, led by rookie quarterback Tyler Miller, posted 5,000 passing yards, a 78‑percent completion rate, and 32 touchdowns. On defense, the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator, Nick Foley, engineered a 5‑tackles‑for‑loss rush led by linebacker Jordan Lee.

The ESPN piece underscores that while the Cowboys have a strong offense, they have struggled in the playoffs historically, losing in the first round twice in the past five years. This factor could influence how the Lions approach a potential matchup. The Cowboys’ top‑tier offensive line is arguably one of the best in the league, which could neutralize the Lions’ pass rush, a critical concern for the Lions’ defensive strategy.

Additionally, the Cowboys are riding a 4‑game winning streak, while the Lions have faced a two‑game slump since their mid‑season stretch. That momentum shift could prove pivotal in a head‑to‑head scenario.

The Final Game of the Regular Season

The most critical game on the Lions’ schedule is their last regular‑season showdown against the Atlanta Falcons. A win would solidify their 13‑2 record and push the Packers and Cowboys back to second place in the NFC standings. The Falcons, currently 6‑5, have a strong defense that can limit the Lions’ passing game. However, the Lions’ offense has been efficient against the Falcons’ secondary in their previous meeting.

According to the article’s embedded game‑analysis link on NFL.com, the Lions’ offensive line was the top line in the league during that matchup, allowing only 12 sacks, which helped them maintain a 7‑2 offensive efficiency rating. This demonstrates how the Lions have managed to keep their quarterback in rhythm—a factor that could be decisive against a formidable Falcons defense.

What This Means for the Playoffs

If the Lions finish 13‑2, they will secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC and the accompanying first‑round bye—an advantage that could prove vital in a league where playoff games are often decided by a single play. A first‑seed finish also means home‑field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, a significant factor given Detroit’s passionate fan base and historically hostile visiting environments.

In contrast, if the Cowboys or Packers win their final games, the Lions would have to compete for the second seed, forcing them to play on the road in the Wild Card round. The difference in the rest and preparation afforded by the first‑seed advantage is a key theme highlighted throughout the article.

Final Thoughts

The Detroit Free Press article presents a detailed overview of the Lions’ path to the No. 1 NFC seed, underscoring both the team’s strengths and the challenges posed by the Packers and Cowboys. The inclusion of direct links to NFL standings, team analyses, and game‑specific reports enriches the story, providing readers with granular insight into the statistical and strategic elements shaping the playoff picture.

The upcoming games will not only decide the Lions’ fate but will also serve as a barometer for the competitive landscape of the NFC. Whether the Lions can maintain their momentum and secure the top seed—or face the harsh realities of a tougher playoff path—remains one of the most compelling narratives of the 2025 NFL season.