Our Detroit Lions Week 15 rooting guide for the best playoff position—and for pettiness.
The Detroit Lions (12-1) continue to hold just a one-game lead over the Minnesota Vikings (11-2) and Philadelphia Eagles (11-2). Detroit still has their own destiny in their hands, when it comes to winning the NFC North and earning the conference’s top seed. In fact, they can afford to lose any one of their remaining four games and still clinch a first-round bye.
But why not add a little buffer?
This week’s rooting guide continues to focus just on the two teams on the Lions’ heels. But this week, we’ve added a PETTINESS section, because why not?
The only two games that matter:
Steelers (10-3) vs. Eagles (11-2) — 4:25 p.m. ET — FOX
Root for: Steelers
Unfortunately, the schedule makers put this at the same time as the Lions’ game, so you’ll just have to continually check the ticker at the bottom of the screen (or your phone, like a modern-day human). But if the Steelers can go to Philly and knock the Eagles off their nine-game winning streak it could create a little cushion for the Lions in their quest for the No. 1 seed.
Bears (4-9) at Vikings (11-2) — Monday, 8 p.m. ET — ABC
Root for: Bears
If the Vikings lost this game, it would afford the Lions two potential losses in their final four games with the ability to still win the division with a win in the other two games.
The petty rooting guide
Since these rooting guides have become extremely straightforward, I figured I’d add a fun section for games that don’t really matter, but offer guidance on what a petty Lions fan should root for based on rivalries and other factors.
Chiefs (12-1) at Browns (3-10) — 1 p.m. ET — CBS
Root for: Browns
The Lions should have sole possession of first place, not the incredibly lucky Chiefs. Losing to the Browns would be a perfect confirmation that Kansas City is a bunch of frauds (see? Petty.)
Cowboys (5-8) at Panthers (3-10) — 1 p.m. ET — FOX
Root for: Panthers
Why? Because screw the Cowboys. That’s why. Dallas has lost 12 or more games in a season just three times in franchise history. Let’s make it four this year!
Jets (3-10) at Jaguars (3-10) — 1 p.m. ET — FOX
Root for: Jaguars
Aaron Rodgers is 12-19 in his last 31 games. He’s currently averaging the lowest yards per attempt (6.5) and passer rating (88.9) of his starting career. He is still the all-time leader in career passer rating (102.7), but Patrick Mahomes (102.2) is hot on his tail.
Buccaneers (7-6) at Chargers (8-5) — 4:25 p.m. ET — FOX
Root for: Chargers
If you beat the Lions, we hate you. Thems the rules.
Packers (9-4) at Seahawks (8-5) — 8:20 p.m. ET — NBC
Root for: Seahawks
Even though they’re far in the rear view mirror now, FTP always. An added benefit of a Seahawks win is that it would eliminate the 49ers from NFC West contention—and basically playoff contention. San Francisco’s playoff odds are already below 1 percent at this point, so this is mostly about being petty toward the Packers.
