Detroit Lions Week 18 Rooting Guide: Playoff Scenarios, Standings, Draft Order

The two Detroit Lions and their fans can sit down on Sunday afternoons to watch the rest of the league play out in the regular season. While fans may be happy to watch all of the final regular season games on Sunday, Lions players are likely only interested in the sea ​​hawks vs. Rams game – what could be the difference between a playoff berth and early elimination.

But there’s a ton at stake for the rest of the league. From winning the playoffs to the playoff standings to the 2023 NFL Draft order, there will be part changes throughout the day.

So, with the Lions out until 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday night, here’s a guide to the teams you should be cheering on during all of Sunday’s games.

Rooting for a playoff spot

Rams (5-11) at Seahawks (8-8) – 4:25 p.m. ET – FOX

For whom to root: Rams

You probably already know the scenarios. If the Rams win or tie, Sunday night’s Lions game suddenly becomes a game-winner and you’re in for Detroit and Green Bay. It’s so simple. Detroit just needs to finish with a better record than the Seahawks and Packers.

Cowboys (12-4) to Commanders (7-8-1)

For whom to root: Commanders

This game isn’t really big, but there is a wild scenario the Lions can get into. In short: a Commanders win + a Seahawks tie + a Lions tie = a four-way tie at 8-8-1 between the Lions, Packers, Seahawks and Commanders. I break down the details of why herebut this scenario is so unlikely that you can probably skip this game.

Rooting for Best First Round Match

If the Lions qualify for the playoffs, there are scenarios for the Lions to play the 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys and Vikings. I think it’s fair to say that the Vikings present the most favorable game for the Lions, so here’s what to look for to make that happen.

Simply put, we need to get the Vikings to the No. 1. 2nd seed, because the Lions are either in the seventh seed or out of the playoffs.

Vikings (12-4) at Bears (3-13) – 1 p.m. ET – FOX

For whom to root: vikings

Minnesota is currently behind the 49ers due to conference-record tiebreakers. So a Vikings win plus a 49ers loss is the only way Minnesota can get back the two seeds. So…

Cardinals (4-12) at 49ers (12-4) – 4:25 p.m. ET – FOX

For whom to root: Cardinals

A 49ers loss and Vikings win would put San Francisco in the third seed.

If those games play out this way and the Lions win a playoff spot, here’s what the NFC’s first round would look like:

• Bye in the first round: Eagles/Cowboys
• Lions (7 seeds) at Vikings (2)
• Giants (6) to 49ers (3)
• Eagles/Cowboys (5) to Buccaneers (4)

If you prefer a different seeding scenario or a different opponent for Round 1, you can view all NFC scenarios here:

Rooting for the draft position

I broke down where the Lions draft pick via the Rams could end up herebut these are the games you’re rooting for on Sunday:

• Falcons (6-10) vs. Buccaneers (8-8)
• Collars (4-11-1) above Texas (2-13-1) — Note: The Rams can’t catch the Texans, so a Colts win is more important here, even though they have the better record.
• Panthers (6-10) vs. Saints (7-9)
• Broncos (4-12) done Chargers (10-6)
• Cardinals (4-12) over 49ers (12-4)

If all of these games go the right way, here’s what the 2023 NFL Draft order would look like:

Note: I am not including the Rams on purpose. Let me explain.

1. Texans: 2-13-1 (0.485 schedule strength)
2. Bears: 3-13 (.566)
3. Broncos: 5-12 (.486)
4. Cardinals: 5-12 (.526)
5. Colts: 5-11-1 (.507)
6. Raiders: 6-11 (.474)
7. Falcons: 7-10 (.470)
8. Panthers: 7-10 (.474)
9. Holy: 7-10 (.500)
10. Nothing else matters

So where would the Rams fit in?

• If the Rams lose, they would drop to 5-12 with an SOS of around .516, which means they would have the fourth pick overall.
• If the Rams won, they’d move to 6-11 with an SOS of around .516, meaning they’d pick seventh overall.

So with these results: best case is fourth overall, worst case is seventh overall. Not too bad.