The Detroit Lions don’t play until Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens, but that doesn’t mean Sunday is meaningless. With six NFC teams still unbeaten heading into the weekend, plenty of results can impact Detroit’s chances down the road. For fans watching from home, here’s a guide to who you should be pulling for.
Remember this rule of thumb: AFC vs. AFC games don’t affect the Lions, so you can ignore those. But anytime an AFC team is playing an NFC opponent, it’s best to root for the AFC side since Detroit’s playoff race only runs through the NFC.
1 p.m. ET Games
Browns (0-2) vs. Packers (2-0) on FOX
Root for the Browns. Green Bay is the biggest obstacle in the NFC North, so a stumble helps Detroit keep pace.
Bengals (2-0) vs. Vikings (1-1) on CBS
Cheer for the Bengals. A loss would keep Minnesota from climbing back into the playoff mix.
Rams (2-0) vs. Eagles (2-0) on FOX
Back the Rams. Both teams are undefeated, but the Eagles are the greater long-term threat.
Jets (0-2) vs. Buccaneers (2-0) on FOX
Support the Jets. Handing Tampa Bay its first loss would immediately thin the crowd of unbeaten NFC teams.
Raiders (1-1) vs. Commanders (1-1) on FOX
Go with the Raiders. Washington sits in the Wild Card lane Detroit hopes to control, so an AFC win helps.
Panthers (0-2) vs. Falcons (1-1) on FOX
Pull for the Panthers. Atlanta was projected as a division contender, and a 1-2 start would slow them down.
1:40 p.m. Game
*Yes, I had to toss this one in!
Detroit Tigers (85-70) vs. Atlanta Braves (72-83)
Root for the Tigers! The Tigers’ lead in the American League Central is down to just one game over the Cleveland Guardians. Today is Detroit’s final home game of the regular season, and it sure seems like a must-win event!
While we are at it, make sure to also root for the Twins to beat the Guardians! That game begins at 2:10 p.m.
Afternoon Games
Saints (0-2) vs. Seahawks (1-1) at 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS
Root for the Saints. Seattle always finds a way to hang around the playoff race, and an early loss would keep them below .500.
Bears (0-2) vs. Cowboys (1-1) at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX
Cheer for the Bears (I just puked a little). Chicago isn’t a threat in the NFC this season, while Dallas actually has some talent.
Cardinals (2-0) vs. 49ers (2-0) at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX
Back the 49ers. Most would disagree with me here, but I just have a feeling that when all is said and done, it will be the Cardinals that pose the biggest threat to the Lions.
Bottom Line
As fans of the Detroit Lions, we should certainly enjoy our stress-free day when it comes to football, but the Detroit Tigers need our help! So, while you are out at the cider mill, or just hanging out with your family, make sure to root for the Tigers, Twins, and even the Browns, Bengals, and Cowboys!
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