The Detroit Lions had a slim chance to make the playoffs heading into their Christmas Day game against the Minnesota Vikings, and a dismal 23-10 loss eliminated them officially. So all that's left to play for in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears is an above .500 record for the season, or possibly impacting the Bears' playoff seed by beating them.
The Vikings and Lions have matching 8-8 records heading into the final week of the regular season, with Minnesota of course holding the tiebreaker for third place in the NFC North via their season-sweep.
So with a loss to the Bears in Week 18, the Lions can assure themselves of a fourth-place finish in the division. Their 2026 first-round pick would also be a few spots higher with a season-ending loss.
So with that in mind, "nothing to play for" and some key players banged up, the sentiment from Lions' fans is shifting. Colton Pouncy of The Athletic took the baton to wonder about the team's strategy in Week 18.
Curious if the Lions rest some veterans in the season finale to secure a fourth-place schedule. The difference based on current standings:
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) December 26, 2025
3rd place:
-at Rams (11-4)
-vs. Colts (8-7)
-vs. Commanders (4-12)
4th place:
-at Cardinals (3-12)
-vs. Titans (3-12)
-vs. Giants (2-13)
Sensing what the reaction would be, Pouncy acknowleded how he doesn't think Campbell will operate in Week 18 with an eye on next year's schedule. But that said, it also may make sense to rest some guys.
Fwiw, I don’t think Dan operates like this re: future schedules. That was more me just thinking out loud.
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) December 26, 2025
But with Sewell leaving that Vikings game briefly, Saint getting hurt late and the injuries they’ve already had this year, would make sense to rest some dudes. https://t.co/RCbyZ9s1Ht
If Dan Campbell wouldn't rest players before, he won't do it now
Two years ago the Lions really had nothing at stake in the regular season finale, with their playoff seed basically locked in. A couple weeks before that, when asked about his philosophy when it comes to resting players prior to that, Campbell made his (unsurprising) stance on that topic crystal clear.
"Yeah, when we’re done with the season, they’re going to rest. I promise you that,” Campbell said. "They’re going to get plenty of time off.”
This time around for Week 18, look no further than Campbell's comments after the loss to the Vikings to confirm what his mindset is and the message he'll be sending to his team.
READ MORE: Lions staring down an $8.4 million decision that shouldn't be this easy
"We got one game to go", Campbell said. "And, I expect everybody to be ready to go when we get back in in a couple days...Be locked in, and be ready when we get on the plane to go to Chicago. You know, to be locked in one more time. That's what I expect."
While how much action some banged up players who are able to suit up see might become a question over the course of the game, it's safe to assume any Lions' player who is able to play in Week 18 against the Bears will do so without question.
Any idea of resting players for a better 2026 schedule in a "meaningless game" will be met with the expected sentiment from Campbell, and any Lions players who might be asked about it before the regular season finale. Outside of the most severe injury situations, it's not going to happen.
As expected.