The Detroit Lions find themselves facing significant challenges as they have been eliminated from playoff contention and are currently mired in a three-game losing streak. This downturn marks some of the most troubling play seen during the Dan Campbell era, raising concerns about the team’s direction. The Lions’ steep decline has left fans and analysts questioning the effectiveness of their season-long efforts to improve.
Presently, Detroit occupies the last position in the NFC North, a stark contrast to their earlier aspirations. The current standings show the Bears at 11-4, the Packers at 9-5-1, the Vikings at 8-8, and the Lions also at 8-8. This position is further solidified by the Lions having been swept by the Vikings earlier this season. A loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 18 would officially secure their last-place finish in the division.
However, there exists a glimmer of hope amidst this challenging time for the Lions. By finishing in last place, they would be set to face a “fourth-place schedule” in 2026. The NFL schedule is structured so that a team’s opponents are partly determined by their finish in the previous season. Teams that finish last face off against other last-place teams, which could potentially allow the Lions a more favorable route.
While it is too early to predict the strength of teams in 2026, the upcoming matchups against teams from the NFC East, AFC South, and NFC West suggest a significant difference between a third-place and fourth-place schedule. For instance, the NFC West is currently home to strong contenders like the Seahawks and 49ers, while the Cardinals sit at the bottom of the standings, still vying for a top draft pick. Similarly, the AFC South is highly competitive, with the Jaguars and Texans performing well, especially after the Colts’ struggles due to injuries.
Despite the growing pains the Lions are currently facing, a potential fourth-place schedule in 2026 could provide them with the opportunity to regroup and rebuild as they strive for a more successful season in the future. The path ahead may be longer than hoped, but the promise of a more manageable schedule brings with it a sense of optimism for the franchise and its fanbase.