The Small Silver Lining to the Detroit Lions’ Embarrassing Loss to the Vikings
The Detroit Lions’ humiliating loss to the Minnesota Vikings was yet another low point in what has become a stunning collapse during the 2025 NFL season. Once viewed as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, Detroit now finds itself eliminated from playoff contention and searching for answers after weeks of poor performances.
The Lions are currently riding a three-game losing streak and are playing some of the worst football of the Dan Campbell era. Despite high expectations entering the season, Detroit failed to adjust or improve as the year progressed, leading to a dramatic fall from grace.
However, as bleak as things look, there is one small silver lining to the Lions’ embarrassing loss to the Vikings.
Lions Sitting in Last Place in NFC North
Following the defeat, Detroit sits in last place in the NFC North standings:
Chicago Bears: 11–4
Green Bay Packers: 9–5–1
Minnesota Vikings: 8–8
Detroit Lions: 8–8
Although the Lions are tied with the Vikings, Detroit occupies the bottom spot due to being swept by Minnesota during the season. If the Lions lose to the Chicago Bears in Week 18, they will officially finish last in the division.
Why Finishing Last Could Help Detroit in 2026
Surprisingly, finishing last in the NFC North could benefit the Lions in the long run. By ending the season in fourth place, Detroit would receive a fourth-place schedule for the 2026 NFL season.
Each year, three games on a team’s schedule are determined by where they finish within their division. First-place teams face other division winners, while last-place teams get matched up with fellow fourth-place finishers.
For a Lions team clearly in need of a reset, that difference could be significant.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
The Lions’ rotating opponents next season will come from the NFC East, AFC South, and NFC West. While it’s too early to predict how strong those divisions will be in 2026, current trends suggest there could be a meaningful gap between facing first-place teams and fourth-place teams.
After such a disappointing season, Detroit may benefit from a more favorable schedule as it attempts to regroup and rebuild.
It’s not much comfort after an epic collapse, but for the Detroit Lions, finishing last in the NFC North may offer the clearest path toward a rebound in the seasons ahead.
