Detroit Lions Eye 2026 Draft Position as Season Ends in Chicago

The Detroit Lions conclude their 2023 NFL season on a pivotal note as they face the Chicago Bears in Week 18. With an 8-8 record, the Lions are eliminated from playoff contention and currently hold the No. 15 pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23-25. The outcome of this final game could significantly impact their draft position.

As it stands, the Lions’ current strength of schedule is the weakest among the other three 8-8 teams not in the playoffs, according to Tankathon.com. If the Lions lose against the Bears, they could potentially move up to the 12th pick, contingent on several key games. For this scenario to unfold, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must defeat the Carolina Panthers, the Atlanta Falcons need to overcome the New Orleans Saints, and the Dallas Cowboys should win against the New York Giants.

There is also the possibility that the Lions could secure the 11th pick if they receive favorable results across the league. The Miami Dolphins, who could also finish the season at 8-9, currently have a strength of schedule of .485, slightly better than the Lions’ .491. These numbers will be subject to change based on Week 18’s results.

Should the Lions secure a victory against the Bears, finishing the season at 9-8, they would avoid a losing record for the first time since their 3-13-1 season in 2021, Dan Campbell’s inaugural year as head coach. However, a win could drop their draft position as low as 18th, again depending on the outcomes of other games.

Potential Draft Order and Implications

The current projected order for picks 11-18 in the 2026 NFL Draft is as follows:

– No. 11: Miami Dolphins, 7-9, .485, at New England
– No. 12: Atlanta Falcons (to LA Rams), 7-9, .496, vs. New Orleans
– No. 13: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7-9, .533, vs. Carolina
– No. 14: Dallas Cowboys, 7-8-1, .436, at New York Giants
– No. 15: Detroit Lions, 8-8, .491, at Chicago
– No. 16: Baltimore Ravens, 8-8, .502, at Pittsburgh
– No. 17: Minnesota Vikings, 8-8, .517, vs. Green Bay
– No. 18: Indianapolis Colts (to New York Jets), 8-8, .537, at Houston

The Carolina Panthers, also at 8-8 but leading the NFC South, currently hold the 19th pick with a strength of schedule of .522.

If the Lions finish in a lower draft position, they could benefit from a fourth-place schedule in 2026, which would feature matchups against the NFC East’s New York Giants instead of the Washington Commanders, the NFC West’s Arizona Cardinals instead of the Los Angeles Rams, and the AFC South’s Tennessee Titans instead of the Indianapolis Colts.

The Lions are set to have at least seven draft picks in the 2026 draft. Although they traded both third-round picks to move up for the selection of Isaac TeSlaa in 2025, they are projected to receive at least one compensatory pick, currently estimated as a fifth-round selection due to free agency losses experienced in 2025.

As the Lions prepare for their season finale, all eyes will be on the outcomes across the league that could shape their future in the NFL Draft.