The Detroit Lions took a major step back in their Christmas Eve afternoon affair on the road against the Carolina Panthers as the home side totaled 570 yards of total offense with 320 coming on the ground in a 37-23 decision in favor of the Panthers.

The Lions fall back to below the .500 mark on the season at 7-8 overall, but not all hope is lost as they still remain in the thick of the NFC Playoff chase with two regular season games to go.

Currently, Detroit sits a half game back of the seventh and final Wild Card spot in the NFC behind the Washington Commanders (7-7-1).

This Sunday, the Lions return home to Ford Field for a New Year’s Day battle against the 3-12 Chicago Bears at 1 pm. Detroit concludes the regular season on Sunday, January 8th in Green Bay against the Packers.