Detroit Lions Week 15 rooting guide: For playoff position, pettiness

The Detroit Lions (12-1) continue to hold a one-game lead Minnesota Vikings (11-2) and Philadelphia Eagles (11-2). Detroit still has their own destiny in their hands when it comes to winning the NFC North and earning the conference’s top seed. In fact, they can afford to lose one of their remaining four games and still earn a first-round bye.

But why not add a little buffer?

This week’s rooting guide continues to focus only on the two teams on the Lions’ heels. But this week we’ve added a LITTLENESS section, because why not?

The only two games that matter:

Steelers (10-3) vs. Eagles (11-2) — 4:25 p.m. ET — FOX

Root for: Steelers

Unfortunately, the schedulers put this at the same time as the Lions’ game, so you’ll just have to keep checking the ticker at the bottom of the screen (or your phone, like a modern human). But if the Steelers can go to Philly and snap the Eagles’ nine-game winning streak, it could create a small cushion for the Lions in their quest for the No. the 1 seed.

Bears (4-9) at Vikings (11-2) — Monday at 20 ET — ABC

Root for: Bears

If the Vikings lost this game, it would give the Lions two potential losses in their last four games with the ability to still win the division with a win in the other two games.

The petty mess guide

Since these rooting guides have become extremely straightforward, I thought I’d add a fun section for games that don’t really matter, but provide guidance on what a little Lions fan should root for based on rivalry and other factors .

Chiefs (12-1) at Browns (3-10) — 1 p.m. ET — CBS

Root for: Brown

The Lions should have the top spot alone, not the incredibly lucky Chiefs. Losing to the Browns would be perfect confirmation that Kansas City is a bunch of frauds (see? Petty.)

Cowboys (5-8) at Panthers (3-10) — at 1 PM ET — FOX

Root for: Panthers

Why? Because crappy cowboys. That is why. Dallas has lost 12 or more games in a season just three times in franchise history. Let’s make it four this year!

Jets (3-10) at Jaguars (3-10) — at 1 PM ET — FOX

Root for: Jaguars

Aaron Rodgers is 12-19 in his last 31 games. He currently averages the lowest yards per game. attempts (6.5) and passer rating (88.9) in his starting career. He remains the all-time leader in career passer rating (102.7), but Patrick Mahomes (102.2) is hot on his tail.

Buccaneers (7-6) at Chargers (8-5) — 4:25 PM ET — FOX

Root for: Chargers

If you beat the lions, we hate you. Those are the rules.

Packers (9-4) at Seahawks (8-5) — 8:20 p.m. ET — NBC

Root for: Seahawks

Although they are far in hindsight now, FTP always. An added benefit of a Seahawks win is that it would eliminate 49ers from NFC West contention – and basically playoff contention. San Francisco’s playoff odds are already under 1 percent at this point, so it’s mostly about being petty about Packers.