Even with the Detroit Lions on the outside looking in, there’s still plenty for fans to track around the NFL — and it all starts with Buccaneers vs. Panthers.
That matchup directly impacts Detroit’s draft positioning and final standings, making it one of the most important non-Lions games to watch. A Buccaneers win could lock in certain playoff and seeding scenarios that benefit Detroit’s draft outlook, while a Panthers upset would shake up the order and potentially complicate where the Lions land.
This game also sets the tone for the rest of the weekend. Depending on how it plays out, Lions fans will know whether to shift their attention toward strength-of-schedule outcomes, draft order movement, or simply rooting for chaos across the NFC.
In short, if you’re a Lions fan looking for scoreboard-watching reasons, Buccaneers vs. Panthers is where it all begins.
