Detroit teams can absolutely make the playoffs in the near term, but the odds and timelines look different for the Lions (NFL) and Red Wings (NHL).

Which Detroit team?

Most trending discussion right now is about:

  • Detroit Lions (NFL, just missed the 2025 playoffs)
  • Detroit Red Wings (NHL, still trying to end a long playoff drought)

“Can Detroit make the playoffs?” usually means: does the next season look realistic, not some distant rebuild.

Detroit Lions outlook

The Lions missed the most recent playoffs, but they were competitive and finished with a strong point differential and one of the better scoring offenses in the league. Their 2026 schedule gives them some favorable matchups, including games against NFC South and several last‑place opponents, which typically boosts playoff odds if the roster stays intact and health cooperates.

Key reasons they can make it:

  • Productive offense that still ranks near the top of the league in scoring.
  • A schedule that mixes tough AFC East opponents with several weaker teams, giving a path to 10+ wins if they clean up close‑game execution.
  • Front‑office and coaching staff already under pressure after a disappointing finish, which usually triggers aggressive offseason moves.

Detroit Red Wings outlook

The Red Wings have not been a regular playoff team in recent years, but they are no longer in a deep rebuild and have been hovering around the playoff bubble. Betting markets currently price Detroit as a slight favorite to make the playoffs, with “yes” to reach the postseason listed at negative odds and “no” at plus money, which implies better‑than‑50% chances.

Key factors:

  • Improved roster and scoring depth compared with the early rebuild years.
  • Playoff odds in the betting market that lean toward Detroit qualifying if they stay healthy and avoid prolonged slumps.
  • The caveat: at U.S. Thanksgiving they were outside a playoff spot, and historically teams in that position have a tougher path, so the margin for error is thin.

What forums and fans say

On fan forums, Detroit playoff threads are all over the place: some focus on thin odds and elimination scenarios, others on “if we win X of the last Y, we’re in.” For example, one recent analysis gave the Lions only a very small percentage chance (low single digits) to sneak into the playoffs down the stretch, underscoring how much every late‑season game mattered.

Common fan viewpoints:

  • Optimists: “Win out or go 3 of 4 and we’re basically in.”
  • Realists: “The path exists, but it’s narrow and depends on other teams slipping.”
  • Skeptics: Worried about injuries, regression on offense, and a tough division with improving rivals.

Bottom line

  • Can Detroit make the playoffs? Yes, for both Lions and Red Wings, it is realistically on the table.
  • How likely?
    • Lions: Roster and schedule support a real shot next season, especially if they address injuries and close‑game issues.
* Red Wings: Betting markets currently lean slightly _yes_ , but standings position and historical trends mean they must play at a playoff pace the rest of the way.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.