As the Detroit Lions get prepared for a Thursday Night Football duel against the red-hot Dallas Cowboys, they find themselves on the outside of the NFC playoff picture just one year removed from a 15-win season and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Detroit not only needs to go on a winning streak to beat out many of the other top teams in the NFC, but they must also hope that those who are close to them in the standings end up faltering.
With multiple Week 14 games that could throw the balance of power in the NFC out of whack, it worth checking on which possible outcomes would be more advantageous for an injured Lions team who needs all the help they can get to force their way back into the playoff picture.
Detroit Lions rooting guide for pivotal Week 14 games
Tiebreakers between two teams (per NFL.com)
- Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs)
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference
- Strength of victory
- Strength of schedule
1. Chicago Bears (9-3) at Green Bay Packers (8-3-1)
The Lions have a head-to-head win against the Bears on the ledger, but they've lost out twice to Green Bay in the 2025 season. A Packers win would see them reclaim their spot at the top of the NFC North, all while putting Chicago in a more precarious position that could see them lose out to Detroit should the records even themselves back up.
Root For: Packers win
2. New Orleans Saints (2-10) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)
The Bucs might be in danger of possibly losing the NFC South to the rival Carolina Panthers. Even though they would still end up in the wild card hunt, a Tyler Shough masterclass might be all that is needed to send the Bucs home with a very impactful loss that gives the Lions even more optimism.
Root For: Saints win
READ MORE: Ben Solak says this might be the final push for this version of the Lions
3. Seattle Seahawks (9-3) at Atlanta Falcons (4-8)
The Seahawks are seemingly going to muscle their way into either a division title or premium Wild-Card spot, but worse collapses from better teams have happened before. Atlanta's offense is putrid, but a strong defensive showing against Sam Darnold could make a possible Wild Card team suffer a loss that indirectly aids Detroit.
Root For: Falcons win
4. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
If the Cowboys beat the Lions and the Eagles end up dropping this game, there is a real chance they could lose their grip on the NFC East. The Lions have a head-to-head loss against Philadelphia, so every defeat would indirectly help out Dan Campbell and Detroit.
Root for: Chargers win