The only thing that practically matters for the Detroit Lions is draft order and their 2026 schedule. And while the best way to improve those things is a Lions loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, I wouldn’t blame you if you’re incapable of rooting for that.
If that’s too much for your taste, I’ve got some other games you can root for pain-free that could improve Detroit’s chances at a better pick and an easier schedule.
Here is your final 2025-26 Detroit Lions rooting guide.
Saturday games
Panthers (8-8) at Buccaneers (7-9) — 4:30 p.m. ET — ABC/ESPN
Who to root for: Buccaneers
The winner of this game moves into the top spot in the NFC South (at least temporarily). If that’s the Bucs, the Lions will jump them in draft order, and the Panthers, at 8-9, will only jump Detroit if the Lions finish 9-8, because Carolina has a much tougher strength of schedule (.522 to Detroit’s .491)
If the Panthers win, the Lions will stay behind a 7-10 Buccaneers team no matter the outcome of their own game.
Sunday games
Saints (6-10) at Falcons (7-9) — 1 p.m. ET — FOX
Who to root for: Falcons
The Lions (.491) and Falcons (.497) are close enough in strength of schedule that it could completely flop the order based on Week 18’s results. But the only way the Lions can catch them at all in draft order is if they beat the Saints and the Lions lose to the Bears.
Packers (9-6-1) at Vikings (8-8) — 1 p.m. ET — CBS
Who to root for: Vikings
If the Vikings win, the Lions will clinch last place in the NFC North, which comes with some serious schedule benefits in 2026. They’ll also stay ahead of the Vikings in draft order, as well. A Vikings win will ensure Detroit will pick 17th or higher.
Cowboys (7-8-1) at Giants (3-13) — 1 p.m. ET — FOX
Who to root for: Cowboys
An 8-8-1 Cowboy team would be later in draft order than an 8-9 Lions team.
Colts (8-8) at Texans (11-5) — 1 p.m. ET — CBS
Who to root for: Colts
As long as the Lions and Colts finish with the same record, Detroit will have the higher pick due to a massive difference in strength of schedule (IND: .537, DET: .491). As with the Vikings, a Colts win would clinch Detroit a top-17 pick.
Dolphins (7-9) at Patriots (13-3) — 4:25 p.m. ET — FOX
Who to root for: Dolphins
With the Patriots still playing for the No. 1 seed, this is unlikely, but if Miami plays spoiler and the Lions lose to the Bears, Detroit could jump the Dolphins, but they’d also have to gain an edge in strength of schedule. They currently trail Miami .485 to .491.
Ravens (8-8) at Steelers (9-7) — 8:20 p.m. ET — NBC
Who to root for: Ravens
This is another win-and-in scenario. If the Ravens win and get into the playoffs, the Lions are likely to pick ahead of the Steelers, who will finish at 9-8 and currently has a tougher strength of schedule (.509) than the Lions (.491). Unless there is a big swing in strength of schedule, this would be another result that would guarantee a top-17 pick for Detroit.
If the Steelers win, it’s possible the Ravens jump the Lions in draft order if Detroit beats the Bears or if the Ravens catch up in strength of schedule. The Lions currently have an edge .491 to .502.
If all of these results fall in the Lions’ direction (and Detroit loses to the Bears) , here’s what the draft order would look like:
NOTE: THIS IS BASED ON CURRENT STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE, THOSE NUMBERS WILL CHANGE AFTER THIS WEEK’S RESULT AND COULD CHANGE THE TIEBREAKER:
11. Dolphins: 8-9 (.485)
12. Lions: 8-9 (.491)
13. Falcons (owned by Rams): 8-9 (.496)
14. Panthers: 8-9 (.522)
15. Cowboys: 8-8-1 (.436)
16. Steelers: 9-8 (.506)
17. Vikings: 9-8 (.517)
18. Colts (owned by Jets): 9-8 (.537)
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