ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Lions finished the first half of the season 6-2 and start the second half at home coming off a bye against the Miami Dolphins.

To make the postseason for the first time since 2011, the Lions likely need to win just half of their remaining eight games. But, after an impressive first eight games, coach Jim Caldwell had no interest in discussing what his team needs to do to earn a playoff berth.

“I’m not concerned about that — not one bit,” he said. “We’re focusing in on one thing that we can be concerned about, and that’s the game that we play next. We’ll let the other things kind of fall in place.”

For better or worse, the next three games will provide a much clearer picture of what this Lions team is capable of. The Dolphins (5-3) are on a three-game winning streak. After that, the Lions play the Cardinals (7-1) in Arizona, and in Week 10 the Lions go to New England to play the Patriots (7-2).

If the Lions can win a game or two in the next three weeks, they’ll be in prime playoff position as three of their final five games are at Ford Field, and the two road games are against division rivals Chicago and Green Bay, which could have seeding implications.

The Lions have plenty of reasons to be optimistic for the second half of the season. The defense ranks first in the NFL in yards allowed (290.4 per game) and points allowed (15.8 per game) and will have an injection of young talent with second-round outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy activated off injured reserve.

The offense hasn’t measured up to expectations, ranking 19th in yards per game and 24th in points per game. But wide receiver Calvin Johnson should return after missing three games, and the emergence of Theo Riddick gives the Lions three capable running backs. Right tackle LaAdrian Waddle should be healthy after missing the last game with a concussion.

A potential reason for skepticism is injuries, though that’s something all teams must deal with. Defensive tackle Nick Fairley’s timetable for return is up in the air after he suffered a serious knee injury in Week 8. The Lions are also unsure of when their top three tight ends — Brandon Pettigrew, Joseph Fauria and Eric Ebron — will fully recover from their lower-body injuries.

The Lions will try to avoid the same collapse that cost them a playoff berth last season when they finished the season 1-6 after a 6-3 start. Players are confident that the improved accountability will help prevent a similar outcome, but the Lions will have to prove they can close the season strong.

REPORT CARD AT THE BYE

–PASSING OFFENSE: C — Matthew Stafford has been the definition of average this season. The quarterback ranks 24th in completion percentage (61.2), 15th in yards per attempt (7.41), tied for 16th in touchdown passes (11), tied for 12th in interceptions (7) and 23rd in rating (86.5). With Calvin Johnson injured, the only bright spot has been Golden Tate, whose 55 catches for 800 yards have him just nine catches and 98 yards away from career highs.

–RUSHING OFFENSE: D — The Lions rank 31st in rushing with 79.6 yards per game, ahead of only 0-8 Oakland, and are averaging just 3.1 yards per carry. The offensive line has struggled to create holes, but the backs haven’t been able to take advantage even when opportunities have been available. Joique Bell is averaging just 3.2 yards per carry, Reggie Bush is averaging 3.5 and the Lions have combined for one run of more than 20 yards.

–PASS DEFENSE: A — Allowing just 216.4 yards per game, the Lions rank fifth in pass defense. With a defensive line that has helped create 23 sacks, the Lions have consistently pressured quarterbacks this year. But the biggest surprise on the team is the improved play of the secondary. Free safety Glover Quin (three interceptions) is playing exceptionally, strong safety James Ihedigbo has played well since his debut in Week 4 and cornerbacks Darius Slay and Rashean Mathis have been effective against even top receivers such as Jordy Nelson and Julio Jones.

–RUSH DEFENSE: A — The Lions were great at stopping the run last year, and that success has continued into 2014. After nine weeks, the Lions are second in the NFL, allowing just 74 yards per game. Defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley deserve plenty of credit for stuffing the middle, and outside linebacker DeAndre Levy has been great at tackling in space, leading the team with 75 stops.

–SPECIAL TEAMS: F — The field-goal struggles have overshadowed successes elsewhere in the unit as the kickers were historically bad in the first half of the season. Nate Freese, Alex Henery and Matt Prater made 5 of 15 attempts early, but Prater hit all four in the past two games. Punter Sam Martin ranks fourth with a 47.6-yard gross average, and 17 of his 37 punts have gone into the end zone. He’s also one of the top kickoff men in the league.

–COACHING: B-plus — Coach Jim Caldwell has made some questionable game-management decisions, but he deserves plenty of credit for the early success, especially after how the team collapsed in 2013. Players have credited him for creating more accountability and improving the overall mindset. Rookie defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has been outstanding and has his players playing to their strengths. Rookie offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi is still finding his groove as a play caller.