Think the Detroit Lions' season is over? Think again. Even with their playoff dreams dashed, there's still plenty to root for—and it all hinges on 2026. While it’s not the scenario any fan wants, the focus now shifts to securing the best possible draft position and a favorable 2026 schedule. Yes, that might mean cheering for a Lions loss in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears—a tough pill to swallow, but one that could pay dividends next season.
Let’s face it: at 8-8, the Lions aren’t landing a top-10 pick. With 10 teams already at 6-10 or worse, the best they can do is edge closer to the top of the draft board. And this is the part most people miss: the 2026 schedule could be just as crucial as the draft itself. So, how do we navigate this? Welcome to Part 1 of our Week 17 Rooting Guide, where we break down the Saturday games and their impact on Detroit’s future.
First up: Texans at Chargers (4:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network).
Who to root for: Texans. But here’s where it gets controversial—this isn’t a straightforward call. A Texans win clinches their playoff spot, and if the Jaguars beat the Colts, Jacksonville locks up the AFC South. That leaves the Texans with nothing to play for in Week 18, when they face the 8-7 Colts. Why does this matter? If the Colts lose both remaining games (dropping to 8-9) and the Lions beat the Bears (jumping to 9-8), Indianapolis could threaten Detroit’s draft position. However, if both teams finish 8-9, the Lions likely stay ahead due to a weaker strength of schedule (Lions: 0.494 vs. Colts: 0.537, per Tankathon). So, we want the Texans playing without stakes in Week 18, increasing the Colts’ chances of a win—unless the Lions lose to the Bears, in which case this game becomes irrelevant.
Note: The Colts’ first-round pick belongs to the Jets, but its position is still determined by Indianapolis’s final record.
Next: Ravens at Packers (8 p.m. ET, Peacock).
Who to root for: Ravens. This game offers a double benefit. If you’re eyeing a fourth-place schedule, a Ravens win helps. The Packers face the Vikings in Week 18, and a Vikings win there clinches third place in the NFC North, locking Detroit into last place. As we’ve discussed, finishing at the bottom could significantly improve the Lions’ 2026 opponents. Plus, if the Packers lose, the Bears clinch the NFC North, and Green Bay may rest starters in Week 18, boosting the Vikings’ chances.
If draft position is your priority, still root for the Ravens. Baltimore sits at 7-8 with a strength of schedule of .502. If they win and maintain a tougher schedule than Detroit, the Lions jump ahead of them in the draft order at 8-8. While the Ravens are still chasing a division title, they’ll be without Lamar Jackson—and the Packers are without Jordan Love. It’s anyone’s game.
But here’s the real question: Is it worth cheering for losses now to set up future success? It’s a debate that divides fans. What’s your take? Let us know in the comments—and stay tuned for Part 2 of our Rooting Guide, dropping Sunday morning.
