With the Detroit Lions officially eliminated from playoff contention, the focus has shifted from postseason scenarios to something fans know all too well — draft positioning. While the season didn’t end the way Detroit hoped, Week 17 still carries real importance as the Lions look toward the future.
Every win or loss around the league now impacts where Detroit will be picking in the 2026 NFL Draft. And while the Lions would prefer to build momentum with strong finishes, the reality is that draft order could play a massive role in how quickly this team rebounds next season.
Why Week 17 Still Matters
Detroit currently sits in a tight cluster of teams with similar records, meaning even one unexpected outcome elsewhere could move the Lions several spots up or down the draft board. That difference could determine whether the team lands a premium edge rusher, a future offensive lineman, or even a quarterback prospect worth developing behind Jared Goff.
Who Lions Fans Should Be Rooting For
At this stage, Lions fans should be paying close attention to teams hovering around the same win total. Losses by those teams could push Detroit down the order, while wins could quietly boost the Lions’ draft position. It’s not glamorous, but it’s how rebuilds — and reloads — are shaped.
At the same time, Detroit finishing the season with effort and pride still matters. Dan Campbell has emphasized culture over draft slots, and how the Lions respond after elimination will speak volumes about leadership inside the locker room.
The Bigger Picture
This offseason will bring major decisions — contracts, coaching adjustments, and roster evaluations — and draft capital is the foundation of it all. Week 17 may not decide a playoff fate, but it could influence the direction of the franchise for years to come.
So while the heartbreak of elimination still stings, Lions fans aren’t done watching just yet. The scoreboard still matters — just in a very different way now 🦁
Week 17 Rooting Guide: Who Lions Fans Should Cheer for as Draft Position Comes Into Focus
