The small silver lining to Detroit Lions’ embarrassing loss to Vikings

The Detroit Lions are not in a good place right now. They’ve been eliminated from playoff contention, they’re on a three-game losing streak, and they’re currently playing some of the worst football they’ve played in the Dan Campbell era. It’s extremely concerning to see the team take this big of a step back and do very little to improve their situation throughout the course of the season.

But if you’re the type that is looking for sliver linings in Detroit’s epic collapse, there is one.

The Lions are currently in last place in the NFC North, representing a pretty huge fall from grace.

1. Bears: 11-4
2. Packers: 9-5-1
3. Vikings: 8-8
4. Lions: 8-8

Detroit occupies the final spot in the division, because they were swept by the Vikings this year. With a loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 18, the Lions would clinch the bottom spot in the division.

Why is this good news? Well, by finishing in last place in the division, the Lions would face a “fourth-place schedule” in 2026. For each year’s schedule, three opponents are determined by what place a team finishes in their respective division. If you finish first in your division, you’re going to play three teams who finished first in their division.

And while it’s far too early to know how good teams will be in 2026, by the looks of things now, the difference between a third and fourth-place schedule seems pretty significant. The three corresponding divisions the Lions will play next year are the NFC East, AFC South, and NFC West. Here’s a look at the current standings of each division:

NFC East:

1. Eagles: 10-5
2. Cowboys: 7-8-1
3. Commanders: 4-12
4. Giants: 2-13

NFC West:

1. Seahawks: 12-3
2. 49ers: 11-4
3. Rams: 11-4
4. Cardinals: 3-12

AFC South:

1. Jaguars: 11-4
2. Texans: 10-5
3. Colts: 8-7
4. Titans: 3-12

Just look at the NFC West. The difference between a third and fourth place schedule is the difference between facing a legitimate 2025 Super Bowl contender vs. a Cardinals team that is still in contention for the No. 1 pick. In the AFC South, the difference between the Colts and Titans is massive, too. Indianapolis is expected to bounce back in 2026 after the injury to Daniel Jones spoiled their extremely promising season.

The difference is a little less pronounced in the NFC East, with both the Commanders and Giants floundering this year. However, the Giants will have an entirely new regime with head coach Brian Daboll already fired.

If you’re wondering what the rest of the Lions’ schedule looks like, they will also play the entirety of the AFC East (Patriots, Bills, Jets, Dolphins) and NFC South (Buccaneers, Panthers, Saints, Falcons). So there’s a much easier schedule on the horizon.