Detroit Lions Week 18 rooting guide: Best outcomes for draft position

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 onto the playoffs as the winner of the NFC South. 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.