Detroit Lions: Lions Need Win over New Orleans to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

The Detroit Lions are desperate for a victory this week against the New Orleans Saints.

With all the distractions surrounding the Lions, everyone forgets that the team is still fighting for their playoff lives.

There is no time for the Lions to feel sorry for themselves because they lost on Thanksgiving or because Ndamukong Suh is suspended.

Detroit currently sits outside the playoff picture, behind the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears in the wild-card race.

A win against the Saints would show the country that the Lions are still a team to be taken seriously, and would keep them relevant in the NFC playoff picture.

Let's look at the reasons Detroit must win this week.

4. Atlanta's Schedule Gets Easier

The Atlanta Falcons already hold the tiebreaker over the Lions thanks to a Week 7 victory.

With the dirty birds sitting on a 7-4 record, the road to the playoffs sets up nicely. Three winnable games against the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, and Jacksonville Jaguars loom on the horizon.

The Falcons have emerged victorious in five of their last six games and have great momentum moving forward.

Atlanta is only a game behind the Saints in the NFC South, so the division title is not out of reach, but at worst this is likely a wild-card team.

3. Chicago Can Win Even with Caleb Hanie

Losing Jay Cutler was a serious blow to the Chicago Bears, but it was not a crippling one.

The Bears can win with Caleb Hanie at quarterback because they do not need him to carry the team in order to win. Chicago's offense is predicated on running the football. The Bears are 10th in the NFL, averaging 121 yards on the ground each week.

The passing game ranks only 20th with 217 yards per game. Couple the strong run game with a stout rush defense, and you have a formula to beat teams like the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks down the stretch.

It will be interesting to see if the Bears become completely one-dimensional, but even if they do, Matt Forte is good enough to carry that burden.

2. Detroit's Schedule Is No Cakewalk

If the Lions fall to the Saints this week and drop their record to 7-5, they will be hard pressed to reach double-digit wins by the end of the season.

Detroit still has tough games against the AFC West's Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers.

And in Week 17, the Lions must travel to the frozen tundra that is Lambeau Field to play the Green Bay Packers.

A 9-7 record will not earn Detroit a playoff berth, and even a 10-6 record will not guarantee they continue playing in January.

With Atlanta and Chicago having easier paths ahead of them, Detroit needs every win it can muster.

Starting with a big victory over New Orleans this week.

1. Detroit Needs Momentum

The Lions have struggled greatly in recent weeks, or at best they have been hot-and-cold.

Losing on Thanksgiving to the Green Bay Packers was devastating, and the loss of Ndamukong Suh to suspension was distracting.

Detroit must show they can regroup and rally this week against New Orleans.

The game is on Sunday Night Football and provides a great platform for the Lions to show the country (and themselves) that they still have the drive to make the playoffs.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford can elevate his game and play through his injuries, shutting up doubters in the process.

A win against the Saints could build great momentum going forward—momentum Detroit desperately needs.