Just because the Detroit Lions are on the outside looking in for the playoff picture, it doesn’t mean they’re out. On Sunday, November 30, a new development in one of the teams the Lions are still set to face this season happened, and this could benefit the Lions. Going forward, Detroit really needs to win out their season.
The Detroit Lions’ chances of getting to the playoffs took a nosedive over the Thanksgiving holiday. First, the Lions lost to division rivals the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day, giving them a 7-5 record and putting the Packers solidly ahead of them in the NFC North. Then, the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, November 28, solidifying their spot on top of the division.
So, while that’s all negative news for the Lions, at least there’s a little ray of hope. One team that the Lions are set to face later in the season is having quarterback issues.
Quarterback News Helps the Detroit Lions
One of the upcoming opponents for the Detroit Lions is none other than Aaron Rodgers, as the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes, the Lions will face Rodgers again, but not with the Packers.
Rodgers is still a solid quarterback, and he’s helped push the Steelers to a 6-5 record leading up to the team’s game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, November 30. They’re also on top of the AFC North. But, Rodgers is nursing an injury to his wrist. The quarterback was injured during the Steelers’ November 16 game against the Cincinnati Bengals and missed the team’s game against Chicago.
Rodgers was sidelined again during the Bills game, following the quarterback getting sacked and leaving the field with blood on his face.
Rodgers has at least three fractures in his left wrist, but according to a report from Ian Rapoport and Bobby Kownack of the NFL website, “Rodgers’ teammates have been impressed with the quarterback’s resolve.”
Aaron Rodgers Impacts the Detroit Lions
It’s certainly noble that Rodgers wants to be there for his teammates and even play with an injured hand. But, resting an injury early is the best way for it to recover. If Rodgers makes the injury worse, which he very well may have done, against the Bills, the Steelers may have to call in backup Mason Rudolph for more games.
Rudolph’s numbers, according to NFL research, are so-so. He completed 24-of-31 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown when he was filling in for Rodgers during the team’s game against the Chicago Bears, which they lost. Rudolph also threw an interception and lost a fumble, and that showing sure didn’t make the Terrible Towel crew very happy.
So, Rudolph has a great name for the holiday season, but his ability to fill in for Rodgers leaves much to be desired. It’s never great to see a player injured, and we wish Rodgers a quick and full recovery. But, him being out would help the Lions.
With a current 7-5 record in the 2025 season, the Detroit Lions are still very much alive, but time’s slipping. Research shows that their playoff odds have dipped, and losing again could knock them out entirely. So, they’ll happily take any advantage of the Steelers when the teams play each other on December 21 at Ford Field. From here on out, it’s simple: every game matters.
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