UPDATE: The Detroit Lions are entering a pivotal Week 18, as they face the Chicago Bears this Sunday with significant implications for the 2026 NFL Draft. Currently holding the No. 15 pick, the Lions (8-8) are eliminated from playoff contention and need a key win to influence their draft position.
This week’s match is not just about pride; it could dramatically affect their draft strategy come April 23-25. If the Lions lose, they could potentially move up to as high as No. 12, contingent on several results from other games. Specifically, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must defeat the Carolina Panthers, the Atlanta Falcons need to beat the New Orleans Saints, and the Dallas Cowboys must take down the New York Giants.
A win against the Bears carries its own risks. If the Lions secure a victory, they would finish the season at 9-8, which could drop them as low as the No. 18 pick. This scenario comes as they aim to avoid a losing season for the first time since their disappointing 3-13-1 record in 2021 under coach Dan Campbell.
Here’s the current first-round draft order for picks 11-18 as of now, according to Tankathon.com:
No. 11: Miami Dolphins, 7-9, .485, at New England.
No. 12: Atlanta Falcons (to LA Rams), 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 (to New York Jets), 8-8, .537, at Houston.
The Lions also have an opportunity to benefit from a unique fourth-place schedule in 2026, which would include matchups against less competitive teams. If they lose, they would guarantee this favorable schedule by facing the New York Giants instead of the Washington Commanders.
Looking ahead, the Lions currently have at least seven draft picks in the upcoming draft, although they traded away their third-round pick to select Isaac TeSlaa in the 2025 draft. They are also projected to receive a compensatory choice, likely a fifth-round pick, due to player losses from the previous free agency period.
With all eyes on Sunday’s game, Lions fans are left wondering: What will the future hold? Will they secure a higher draft pick, or will they risk it all for a shot at finishing the season on a high note? Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
Marlowe Alter is a Sports Assistant Editor at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at: [email protected].
