With the Detroit Lions sitting at an impressive 12-1, their playoff positioning and pursuit of the No. 1 seed in the NFC are looking strong. However, a few key matchups in Week 15 could further secure their playoff fate and make their path to the top spot in the NFC much clearer. Here's a look at the five teams Lions fans should be rooting for this week to set up the best possible playoff outcome.
Detroit Lions
1) 49ers (6-7) over Rams (7-6) – 8:15 p.m. ET – TNF Prime Video
As I’ve mentioned before, though I believe the Detroit Lions would beat the Rams in a potential playoff matchup, there’s one major caveat: Matthew Stafford. A Stafford-led offense always has a fighting chance, and as recent history has shown, Stafford knows how to lead a team in high-pressure situations. The Lions don’t want to face their former quarterback if they can avoid it. Root for the 49ers to take down the Rams in this matchup to reduce the chances of facing Stafford down the road.
2) Saints (5-8) over Commanders (8-5) – 1:00 p.m. ET – FOX
This game will not have an impact on the Lions unless the Commanders win out and the Lions lose out. However, there’s still a slight chance the outcome could affect the Lions’ playoff seeding, so root for the Saints to take down the Commanders. Even if it’s unlikely to swing the overall picture for Detroit, every little bit helps in securing the best playoff positioning possible.
3) Steelers (10-3) over Eagles (11-2) – 4:25 p.m ET. – FOX
This is a critical game in terms of the No. 1 seed in the NFC. As it stands, the Lions hold a 1-game lead over the Eagles, and while Dan Campbell has spoken about embracing the pressure of staying at the top, Lions fans would certainly appreciate it if the 1-seed was locked up as soon as possible. Root for the Steelers to upset the Eagles this week and create a bit more breathing room for Detroit in the NFC standings. A Steelers win would be a huge step toward ensuring that the Lions hold onto that crucial top spot.
4) Seahawks (8-5) over Packers (9-4) – 8:20 p.m. ET – SNF ESPN
While the Packers are likely not a serious threat to catch the Lions in the standings, technically, they are still alive in the race for the NFC North. The more ground they lose, the more comfortable the Lions will be in securing the division. Root for the Seahawks to handle business against the Packers, helping the Lions inch closer to clinching the NFC North title. If Green Bay takes a loss, it’s one less thing the Lions need to worry about in the coming weeks.
5) Bears (4-9) over Vikings (11-2) – 8:00 p.m. ET – MNF ABC/ESPN
The Bears beating the Vikings would be huge for the Lions. A Vikings loss and a Lions win would give the Lions a 2-game lead over the Vikings in the NFC North with just three games left to play. That’s a cushion Detroit can certainly work with, and it would go a long way toward helping them clinch the division sooner rather than later. Root for the Bears to give the Vikings a setback in their pursuit of the division crown.
Rooting for the Best Possible Outcome
While the Lions are in control of their own destiny, these Week 15 matchups will go a long way in helping them secure the best possible positioning in the NFC playoffs. Rooting for the 49ers, Saints, Steelers, Seahawks, and Bears will not only help the Lions in their chase for the No. 1 seed, but also bring them one step closer to clinching the NFC North title. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, Lions fans will be watching these key games closely, hoping for favorable outcomes as their team prepares for the playoff push.