The Detroit Lions face some very simple math when it comes to their playoff destiny: win and they are in. To do so, they have to beat a team this week that is also in the playoff hunt. The San Diego Chargers are a game behind Denver in the AFC West, and they need a win to stay alive. In what is expected to be a tight game, the Lions are a slim 1.5 point favorite according to SB Nation's odds partner Oddsshark:
The San Diego Chargers have faced Detroit six times in the past 30 years and never lost, but it's the Lions who are favored on the Week 16 NFL odds menu at most online sportsbooks. The Chargers are making their perennial second-half push where they are 18-2 SU in their past 20 December games dating back to 2007, but they may have left it too late.
The Chargers do not control their own destiny for the postseason, and that can benefit the Lions. A sellout crowd could also be very beneficial int he final home game of the year for Detroit.