UPDATE: The Detroit Lions enter Week 18 with critical implications for their future, as they face the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Currently at 8-8, the Lions are eliminated from playoff contention and sit at the 15th pick for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, according to Tankathon.com.
As the Lions prepare for this pivotal matchup, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A loss could propel them up the draft order, potentially landing them as high as 12th, contingent upon several game outcomes across the league. For this to happen, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must defeat the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, the Atlanta Falcons need to beat the New Orleans Saints, and the Dallas Cowboys must triumph over the New York Giants on Sunday.
The implications of the Lions’ game extend beyond mere draft positioning. If they win and finish the season at 9-8, it would mark their first non-losing season since 2021, when they recorded a dismal 3-13-1 under head coach Dan Campbell. However, this success would also mean they could drop to as low as the 18th pick, depending on the outcomes of other contests.
As fans gear up for this must-watch game, the current first-round draft order reveals the Lions’ precarious position. The teams ranked 11th through 18th are as follows, with their strength of schedule (SOS) used to break ties:
– No. 11: Miami Dolphins, 7-9, SOS .485, at New England.
– No. 12: Atlanta Falcons, 7-9, SOS .496, vs. New Orleans.
– No. 13: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7-9, SOS .533, vs. Carolina.
– No. 14: Dallas Cowboys, 7-8-1, SOS .436, at New York Giants.
– No. 15: Detroit Lions, 8-8, SOS .491, at Chicago.
– No. 16: Baltimore Ravens, 8-8, SOS .502, at Pittsburgh.
– No. 17: Minnesota Vikings, 8-8, SOS .517, vs. Green Bay.
– No. 18: Indianapolis Colts, 8-8, SOS .537, at Houston.
The Lions also stand to benefit from a fourth-place schedule in 2026, should they finish with a favorable draft position. Currently, they would face the NFC East’s fourth-place team, the New York Giants, instead of the Washington Commanders, and the AFC South’s Tennessee Titans instead of the Indianapolis Colts.
In the 2026 NFL Draft, taking place in Pittsburgh from April 23-25, the Lions are projected to have at least seven picks. However, they do not currently possess a third-round pick, having traded both to secure Isaac TeSlaa in 2025. They are, however, in line to receive at least one compensatory pick, currently projected as a fifth-round choice, due to losses in free agency.
With the clock ticking down to kickoff, all eyes are on the Lions as they navigate these critical decisions that could shape their future. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, with the potential for significant changes on the horizon. What will be the outcome of this pivotal Week 18 clash? Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
