It’s a bit early to focus on Detroit Lions’ playoff odds, but with a Sunday full of NFL games and a Lions fanbase eagerly awaiting Monday night’s game, we figured there’s no harm in outlining some rooting interests.
As of right now, there are six NFC teams that are undefeated: the Packers, 49ers, Eagles, Buccaneers, Cardinals, and Rams. That is one game ahead of the 1-1 Lions for each of these teams that went into the season with serious playoff hopes.
So with all 32 teams in action again this week—save the Bills and Dolphins, who played on Thursday—let’s take a look at the games that matter to the Lions’ playoff chances, and who you should be rooting for.
1 p.m. ET games
Packers (2-0) at Browns (0-2) — FOX
Who to root for: Browns
The Packers not only appear to be the Lions’ biggest threat in the NFC North, but they also seem like legitimate contenders to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. A loss against the Browns would reset expectations in Green Bay and put the Packers within striking distance.
Bengals (2-0) at Vikings (1-1) — CBS
Who to root for: Bengals
The Vikings have looked rough in seven of eight quarters thus far, and now they’re going to be without quarterback J.J. McCarthy for a least a game or two. But with Joe Burrow out indefinitely, Vikings backup Carson Wentz has a chance to give the Vikings a spark, but Bengals backup Jake Browning pulled Cincy to victory last week.
Rams (2-0) at Eagles (2-0) — FOX
Who to root for: Rams
This is a matter of preference and personal opinion, but obviously, you want to root for the team you think will be worse this season. I’m sticking with the Eagles being the biggest threat in the NFC, so I’m hoping they lose. Either way, it’ll be nice to have one fewer undefeated team, and the Lions will get their own chance to hand each of these teams a loss later in the season.
Jets (0-2) at Buccaneers (2-0) — FOX
Who to root for: Jets
Aaron Glenn’s first win would also be the Buccaneers’ first loss of the season. Always root AFC over NFC, especially when it would get rid of another undefeated NFC team.
Raiders (1-1) at Commanders (1-1) — FOX
Who to root for: Raiders
AFC over NFC, and just about everyone over those Commanders jerks. You know why.
Falcons (1-1) at Panthers (0-2) — FOX
Who to root for: Panthers
Not a ton is on the line here in this NFC South matchup, but hopes were high for the Falcons this year. So if they slip into a 1-2 hole with two division losses, it would be a tough hole to pull out of.
4 p.m. ET games
Saints (0-2) at Seahawks (1-1) — 4:05 p.m. ET — CBS
Who to root for: Saints
I don’t have much faith in the Saints turning anything around this year, but the Seahawks are always a scrappy team. So root for the underdog to send Seattle below .500 again.
Cowboys (1-1) at Bears (0-2) — 4:25 p.m. ET — FOX
Who to root for: Meteor Bears
I don’t feel strongly about this one, but if there’s one thing I’m confident about, it’s that I shouldn’t be scared of the Bears right now. Maybe they’ll improve as the season goes on, but they’re currently far away from being a contender. The Cowboys at least have a threatening offense, so let’s knock them down a peg and have the other former Lions coordinator notch his first win.
Cardinals (2-0) at 49ers (2-0) — 4:25 p.m. ET — FOX
Who to root for: Cardinals
This is also a toss-up. The 49ers’ injuries are already mounting, which may make them the less threatening team, but their wins (at Seahawks, at Saints) are better than the Cardinals’ (at Saints, vs. Panthers). So I think the 49ers are a bigger threat, and I don’t mind Arizona starting 3-0.
If all of these outcomes happen, the number of undefeated teams will be shaved down from six to two—giving hte Lions an opportunity to share third place with a handful of teams. Even if the Rooting Guide goes sideways, at least two undefeated NFC teams will lose this week (assuming no ties), giving Detroit a nice opportunity to bounce back in the standings after their poor Week 1 performance.
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