UPDATE: The Detroit Lions are set for a pivotal showdown in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears, with major implications for their first-round draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Currently sitting at 8-8, the Lions have been eliminated from playoff contention, but their performance this Sunday could dramatically change their draft position.
As it stands, the Lions hold the 15th pick according to Tankathon.com, due to having the weakest strength of schedule among other non-playoff teams with the same record. However, a loss against the Bears could see them rise as high as 12th, contingent on several other games going their way. Specifically, they need the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to defeat the Carolina Panthers, the Atlanta Falcons to best the New Orleans Saints, and the Dallas Cowboys to triumph over the New York Giants.
If the Lions manage to win, they could finish the season at 9-8, avoiding a losing record for the first time since their 3-13-1 season in 2021, Dan Campbell’s inaugural year as coach. However, this would likely lower their draft pick to as low as 18th depending on the outcomes of other games.
For context, here are the current draft order picks 11-18 entering Week 18:
– No. 11: Miami Dolphins, 7-9, .485, at New England.
– No. 12: Atlanta Falcons, 7-9, .496, vs. New Orleans.
– No. 13: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7-9, .533, vs. Carolina.
– No. 14: Dallas Cowboys, 7-8-1, .436, at New York Giants.
– No. 15: Detroit Lions, 8-8, .491, at Chicago.
– No. 16: Baltimore Ravens, 8-8, .502, at Pittsburgh.
– No. 17: Minnesota Vikings, 8-8, .517, vs. Green Bay.
– No. 18: Indianapolis Colts, 8-8, .537, at Houston.
Additionally, the Lions’ draft strategy may be influenced by their placement within the NFC North. A loss could assure them a fourth-place schedule, which would include facing the NFC East’s fourth-place team, New York Giants, rather than the Washington Commanders.
Looking ahead, the Lions are projected to have at least seven draft picks in the upcoming draft scheduled for April 23-25, 2026, in Pittsburgh. While they do not have a third-round pick due to a previous trade, they are in line to receive a compensatory fifth-round pick, as estimated by OverTheCap.com.
With the stakes higher than ever, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this crucial game. The Lions’ future hangs in the balance, and the impact of their performance will resonate well beyond this season.
Stay tuned for live updates as this urgent story develops!
