Lions’ 35–10 win: loss knocks Patriots out of 2026 NFL Week 10 playoff picture; postseason hopes take major hit

Detroit rises, New England slips

The Lions beat the Patriots 35–10 on Sunday morning in Munich, Germany. Detroit moved into first place in the NFC North and the conference’s No. 2 seed, while New England fell outside the AFC playoff picture.

The win extended Detroit’s streak to six games. The Lions return home to host the Buccaneers at Ford Field next Sunday afternoon. Cleveland moved into the AFC’s No. 7 position after New England’s loss. The Browns are set to host the Texans at Huntington Bank Field in Week 9, looking to end a two-game losing streak.

AFC contenders face pivotal tests

Denver has won five straight and leads the AFC West with a Week 10 bye. The Broncos next face the Raiders, then visit Pittsburgh for a Black Friday matchup against the Steelers in Week 12.

Cincinnati has won four consecutive games after starting 2–2. The Bengals meet the Steelers on Sunday Night Football, with the winner taking first place in the AFC North; Pittsburgh holds the tiebreaker based on conference-game win percentage.

More races remain unsettled

Kansas City improved to 6–2 with a 35–12 win over the Jets after consecutive losses to Seattle and Denver. The Chiefs visit Atlanta in Week 10 and remain in the AFC wild-card race, within reach of the division title.

San Francisco rebounded from its Week 7 loss to Atlanta with a 38–17 victory over Las Vegas in Week 9. The 49ers visit Dallas on Sunday, then face Minnesota in Mexico City in Week 11.

NFC leaders face pressure

The Giants lost 24–21 to Washington on Thursday Night Football and stand at 5–3–1. New York remains atop the NFC East, with games against the Jaguars, 49ers, Seahawks and Browns among its challenges over the next six weeks.

Carolina remains first in the NFC South despite a Week 9 defeat to Denver. Tampa Bay’s 27–24 loss to Chicago left the Buccaneers at 3–6, while Carolina is 3–5 and needs to improve to pursue a second straight postseason appearance.

The week’s remaining slate includes six intradivision games, Kirk Cousins’s return to Minnesota’s lineup, and a first-place AFC North clash. Rookie Fernando Mendoza is also set to make his first start with the Raiders.