At 9-4, the Detroit Lions are on the cusp of securing their first postseason appearance since 2016. With only one team in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers, having clinched a playoff spot thus far, the Lions find themselves among four teams who have the chance to join them in Week 15.

The Lions have a total of 16 different scenarios that could unfold this week, resulting in a guaranteed playoff berth. Let's dive into the seven scenarios that rely on a Lions victory over the Denver Broncos:

Firstly, the Lions must emerge victorious and receive some help from the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks, who need to either lose or tie their upcoming games. Similarly, a combination of a Lions win, a Green Bay Packers loss or tie, and a Seahawks loss or tie would also secure their playoff ticket. Furthermore, if the Lions win, and both the Los Angeles Rams and Seahawks experience losses or ties, a playoff berth will be sealed.

Expanding on the possibilities, a Lions win coupled with a Vikings loss or tie, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss or tie, and a Rams loss or tie would ensure a postseason appearance for Detroit. Similarly, scenarios involving a Falcons loss or tie in combination with either Vikings or Packers losses, and a Rams loss or tie, favor the Lions' playoff aspirations. Lastly, a Lions win and a tie between the Packers and Buccaneers, along with a Rams loss or tie, are promising scenarios for the Lion's playoff hunt.

In terms of relevant NFC matchups in Week 15, the Broncos will face the Lions on Saturday, while the Vikings take on the Bengals, and the Eagles clash with the Seahawks on Monday Night Football.

Rooting for the Lions to win, while their NFC competitors with a 6-7 record suffer losses, is crucial. Encouragingly, one of the Buccaneers or Packers will inevitably lose or tie this week, assisting the Lions' path to securing a playoff berth.

Furthermore, there are nine additional scenarios that come into play if the Lions manage to tie the game against the Broncos. These scenarios involve combinations of losses or ties for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, and New Orleans Saints, along with a tie between the Packers and Buccaneers.

Although the Lions cannot clinch the NFC North this week, there is a possibility for them to secure the division title in the following week if they defeat the Broncos on Saturday and then triumph over the Vikings.

As the 2023 season reaches its 14th week, it is worth revisiting the current NFC playoff picture. The San Francisco 49ers are the sole team to have secured a playoff spot, while the Lions, along with the Ravens, Cowboys, and Eagles, remain in contention with 9-4 records.

The Detroit Lions are undoubtedly on the verge of a long-awaited playoff appearance, and fans of the team will be eagerly anticipating the outcomes of the various scenarios in Week 15.