Detroit Lions 2026 Week 18 NFL rooting guide.
Detroit will be sidelined for the postseason after officially being eliminated last week, but could salvage a winning record at 9-8 with a win. However, a loss would have some merit as it could help improve their overall draft position for the upcoming draft.
Currently, the Lions are projected to land somewhere between the No. 12 and No. 18 overall picks in the first round of the draft. Along with their own game against the Bears, there are several other games whose results could impact where Detroit is selecting when April rolls around. Here's a look at the results in Week 18 that would give the Lions a path to their best possible draft position for the 2026 NFL draft.This game is uniquely impactful for the postseason, as even though both teams are eliminated the winner will decide the NFC South champion. After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Carolina Panthers Saturday, there's currently a potential for a three-way tie atop the division if the Falcons win. Should the Falcons win, the Panthers would win the NFC South even after losing against Tampa Bay Saturday night. Additionally, a Falcons win would bring them to 8-9, which would be even with Detroit if the Lions lose, and Atlanta currently has a slightly more difficult strength of schedule that would push their pick later.If the Cowboys win, they will be 8-8-1 on the year. Though the tie is an outlier, and the Lions defeated Dallas in Week 14, because they have one less loss they will pick after the Lions at 8-8-1 if Detroit is 8-9.This game would have an impact both on draft position and future scheduling. The Lions would finish last in the NFC North with a loss or a Vikings win, due to the fact that Minnesota swept them in the regular season. As a result, the Lions would be on track to play last-place crossover teams in 2026 along with being guaranteed a top-17 pick with Minnesota finishing with nine wins.The Colts are another team entering the finale at 8-8, so a win would bump them past the Lions in draft order. If they finish with the same record, the Lions currently have the advantage to pick higher based on the strength of schedule tiebreaker.If Miami could pull off the upset, it would be their eighth win of the year. They also would hold the advantage in terms of strength of schedule tiebreaker, but things could change on the final game. If Miami loses, they'd be 7-10 and automatically pick ahead of the Lions.This is one of the highest stakes games of the week, with the winner winning the AFC South and the loser staying home. Baltimore enters the game at 8-8, while Pittsburgh is 9-7. If the Ravens win, then the Steelers would be on the outside of the postseason and would pick behind Detroit automatically if the Lions lose. Even if Detroit were to win and finish 9-8, Pittsburgh is ahead of them in strength of schedule and.Sports journalist who has covered the Detroit Lions the past three NFL seasons. Christian brings expert analysis, insights and an ability to fairly assess how the team is performing in a tough NFC North division.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Who Holds Edge in Lions-Bears Matchup?Detroit Lions Week 18 matchup breakdown against Chicago Bears.
Read more »
NFL experts aren’t worried about the Detroit Lions in Week 18 vs. Chicago BearsThe Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions are a tale of two completely different teams in Week 18.
Read more »
NFL survivor guide: Top 3 picks to play in Week 18We’ve reached the end of the regular season where half of the teams in the NFL have been eliminated from playoff contention, including the New York Giants and
Read more »
Lions vs Bears Predictions, Picks & Best Bets for NFL Week 18Scimia's Prediction: Expect Caleb Williams and the Bears to come away with a tight victory.
Read more »
Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions Week 18 who wins and whyA comparison of positional groups for the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears heading into the regular-season finale with a prediction on the the final score.
Read more »
Expert Predictions: Will Detroit Lions Defeat Chicago Bears?Predicting whether Detroit Lions will beat Chicago Bears in Week 18 of 2025 NFL season.
Read more »