The Detroit Lions are now fully into the second-half of the NFL season, and with that realization brings the idea that the franchise is now beginning to jockey for posiitoning when it comes to the NFC postseason.

At 6-3, the Lions are firmly in the mix to win another NFC North title and are even battling for the top seed in the NFC. A big step toward that will play out Sunday, when Detroit travels to take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

For the Lions, it’s a game that merits plenty of attention. According to Aidan Hutchinson, it’s even a must-win situation for the Lions, because the franchise understands what a win could mean for their fortunes going forward against a fantastic opponent.

“(They’re) a really good football team. This is going to be (an important game). I mean, we’ve had this one on our calendar. We’ve been looking at this one on our calendar for a long time. So, (the) coaches are going to have us ready. We’re going to be ready for this game and we really see this as a must-win.”

Why is it a must-win situation? According to Hutchinson, it’s because the franchise understands how a victory could improve things for them within the playoff push. Additionally, to the Lions, the Eagles have been the cream of the crop in the NFC lately and a win would represent a major accomplishment.

“Ultimately, where we see ourselves as a team, every year the standard is to battle for that No. 1 seed. They’re one of those teams that we’re going to battle with. That’s why it’s a must-win in my eyes. It’s going to set us up really good for the for the last stretch of this season.”

Though the Lions could still win the NFC North and be in good position, Hutchinson’s feeling on the importance of the Philadelphia game shows the Lions have bigger goals in mind. If they want to be the top seed and gain confidence, winning a game against a potentially wounded Philadelphia team would go a long way toward making that happen.

Hutchinson praises Jalen Hurts and Eagles offense before huge game

In order to get a win, the Lions’ defense is going to have to find a way to stop one of the NFL’s more explosive offenses on paper. While the Eagles have been inconsistent at times this season, they still pack a punch at the skill positions and quarterback.

Hurts is a fantastic player and a dynamic talent at the position, making him the key to the game plan for the defense on Sunday. As Hutchinson explained, he’s been aware of what Hurts is capable of since facing off with him three years ago and respects him.

“Super talented. Super mobile. There’s so many good players around him, too. Really that whole offense is a lot of talent. Jalen (Hurts), when we played him in 2022, (it was) really tough getting him, keeping him in the pocket. Really good at scrambling, great mobility, can make all the throws. We’re going to have our hands full, but I think we got a good game plan in place.”

That game plan and how it is executed will determine whether the Lions are successful this week. It’s clear Hutchinson and the Lions are locked in for one of the most important NFC battles of the season.