Detroit Lions rooting guide starts with Buccaneers vs. Panthers

1 week ago 2

As Week 18 begins on Saturday, there's still a lot to be decided with the Detroit Lions' 2026 NFL draft position and whether or not the Lions will face a third- or fourth-place schedule in 2026.

If the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers, the Lions are assured of a fourth-place schedule in 2026, meaning Detroit would play fourth-place finishers from the NFC East, NFC West and AFC South. That part is pretty simple.

But, it gets a little more complex trying to break down what all could or what needs to happen in order for the Lions to best improve its NFL draft positioning. Though there are mathematical pathways for the Lions to draft as high as pick No. 11 or pick No. 12, each of those scenarios have less than a 1% chance of happening, per the New York Times.

But, the Lions do have a 23% chance to wind up with the No. 13 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft. And the path to that outcome starts Saturday afternoon from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Carolina Panthers in a game where either team could be the NFC South champion with a win under different scenarios.

So, to kick off the Week 18 Detroit Lions rooting guide, let's dive into what Lions fans should be rooting for in Tampa:

Current 2026 NFL draft order before Week 18

11. Dolphins: 7-9 (.485 strength of schedule)
15. Lions: 8-8 (.491)
18. Colts**: 8-8 (.537)
*Falcons' pick is owned by the Rams; **Colts' pick is owned by the Jets

Detroit Lions' Week 18 Saturday rooting guide

The Lions' rooting guide on Saturday is pretty simple. Go, Buccaneers.

There's a straightforward path to the No. 13 overall pick for the Lions if the Bucs beat the Panthers on Saturday beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET on ABC / ESPN: