Detroit Lions Week 3 rooting guide: Best outcomes for playoff odds

It’s a bit early to focus on Detroit Lions’ playoff odds, but with a Sunday full of NFL games and a Lions fanbase eagerly awaiting Monday night’s game, we figured there’s no harm in outlining some rooting interests.

As of right now, there are six NFC teams that are undefeated: the Packers, 49ers, Eagles, Buccaneers, Cardinals, and Rams. That is one game ahead of the 1-1 Lions for each of these teams that went into the season with serious playoff hopes.

So with all 32 teams in action again this week—save the Bills and Dolphins, who played on Thursday—let’s take a look at the games that matter to the Lions’ playoff chances, and who you should be rooting for.

1 p.m. ET games

Packers (2-0) at Browns (0-2) — FOX

Who to root for: Browns

The Packers not only appear to be the Lions’ biggest threat in the NFC North, but they also seem like legitimate contenders to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. A loss against the Browns would reset expectations in Green Bay and put the Packers within striking distance.

Bengals (2-0) at Vikings (1-1) — CBS

Who to root for: Bengals

The Vikings have looked rough in seven of eight quarters thus far, and now they’re going to be without quarterback J.J. McCarthy for a least a game or two. But with Joe Burrow out indefinitely, Vikings backup Carson Wentz has a chance to give the Vikings a spark, but Bengals backup Jake Browning pulled Cincy to victory last week.

Rams (2-0) at Eagles (2-0) — FOX

Who to root for: Rams

This is a matter of preference and personal opinion, but obviously, you want to root for the team you think will be worse this season. I’m sticking with the Eagles being the biggest threat in the NFC, so I’m hoping they lose. Either way, it’ll be nice to have one fewer undefeated team, and the Lions will get their own chance to hand each of these teams a loss later in the season.

Jets (0-2) at Buccaneers (2-0) — FOX

Who to root for: Jets

Aaron Glenn’s first win would also be the Buccaneers’ first loss of the season. Always root AFC over NFC, especially when it would get rid of another undefeated NFC team.

Raiders (1-1) at Commanders (1-1) — FOX

Who to root for: Raiders

AFC over NFC, and just about everyone over those Commanders jerks. You know why.

Falcons (1-1) at Panthers (0-2) — FOX

Who to root for: Panthers

Not a ton is on the line here in this NFC South matchup, but hopes were high for the Falcons this year. So if they slip into a 1-2 hole with two division losses, it would be a tough hole to pull out of.