21469384-standard.jpg

Jim Caldwell has the Lions one win from their second playoff appearance in three years.

(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

ALLEN PARK -- While the Detroit Lions will have to wait a week to settle things in the NFC North, plenty will still be at stake Monday night in Dallas.

Like, a playoff spot.

If they win, they're in.

Tampa Bay lost on Saturday afternoon against the New Orleans Saints, which means all Detroit (9-5) has to do to guarantee a spot in the wild card is beat (or tie) the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

In other words: Win this week, and the Lions are in via the wild card. Or win next week against Green Bay, and they're in via the division title. Or they could still squeeze into the playoffs with two losses, as long as Washington loses (or ties) its finale against the Giants.

As for seeding, the Lions could still climb as high as No. 2, if they win out and Atlanta loses its finale against New Orleans. Or they could be out of the postseason entirely if they lose out, and Washington wins against New York next week.

Buckle up, everybody. We're in for a wild finish.

NFC playoff picture

*1. Cowboys 12-2 (Lions, at Eagles)

z-2. Falcons 10-5 (Saints)

3. Lions 9-5 (at Cowboys, Packers)

z-4. Seahawks 9-5-1 (at 49ers)

x-5. Giants 10-5 (at Washington)

6. Packers 9-6 (at Lions)

7. Washington 8-6-1 (Giants)

8. Buccaneers 8-7 (Panthers)

* - Clinched No. 1 seed

z - Clinched division

x - Clinched playoff spot