By now you've heard the stat: 76 percent of teams to start 6-2 in the Super Bowl era have gone on to make the playoffs. That means odds are with the Lions, even if the schedule's not. Detroit plays the toughest second-half slate of anyone in the NFL and faces three of the four teams its competing for a playoff spot with in the Giants, Packers and Cowboys. (The Redskins are the other — the NFC wild cards are coming out of the North or East divisions — and the Lions already loss that game).

With eight games left, here's how the Lions making the playoffs:

- Sunday at Arizona - The Cardinals have an impressive defense led by Darnell Dockett (eight sacks), but the Lions are the better team. Win.

- Nov. 18 vs. NY Giants - I don't really buy the Giants at 6-2, but I'm worried about the pounding Jon Kitna will take from New York's rush front. Loss.

- Nov. 22 vs. Green Bay - Thanksgiving. Brett Favre. What more could the Lions ask for? Win.

- Dec. 2 at Minnesota - Adrian Peterson might be the best running back in the NFL, but the Vikings still can't stop the pass. Win.

- Dec. 9 vs. Dallas - The Cowboys are the class of the NFC — and they remember last year's game in Dallas. Loss.

- Dec. 16 at San Diego - A warm December day won't bode well for Shaun Rogers and the gang vs. LaDainian Tomlinson. Loss

- Dec. 23 Kansas City - Merry Christmas and welcome to playoffs with win No. 10. Win.

- Dec. 30 at Green Bay - If the Packers have a first-round bye locked up, the Lions could sneak out a win. Of course, if Detroit wins on Thanksgiving, this could be for the division. Loss.