Week 18 has Detroit Lions fans in a weird spot. After their 23-10 Christmas Day loss at the Minnesota Vikings (8-8), the Lions are eliminated from playoff contention.

The reality is that the Lions could benefit from a loss at the NFC North champion Chicago Bears (11-5). With a loss in Chicago, the Lions’ 2026 NFL draft pick could end up as high as No. 11, and there’s a pretty realistic avenue to the No. 13 overall pick if Detroit falls in Chicago.

But, it’s the Bears. Lions fans don’t like losing to Chicago, and there’s something to be said for the organization posting a fourth straight winning season under head coach Dan Campbell even if it doesn’t include a trip to the playoffs in 2025.

Of course, like with its NFL draft positioning, the Lions could also benefit with a loss in Chicago in terms of its 2026 schedule. A loss would guarantee that Detroit finishes fourth in the NFC North standings and the Lions would play fourth-place finishers from the NFC East, NFC West and AFC South in 2026.

But, the Lions would also secure a fourth-place schedule in 2026 if the Vikings top the Green Bay Packers in Week 18. And there’s good news on that front.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Friday that J.J. McCarthy will be Minnesota’s starting quarterback against the Packers on Sunday.

McCarthy suffered a hairline fracture in his throwing hand against the New York Giants on Dec. 21. The Vikings’ second-year quarterback has started just nine games this season as he’s dealt with a variety of injuries.

McCarthy has missed seven games in his first season as the Vikings starter because of three injuries: a high right ankle sprain, a concussion and the fractured hand.

McCarthy also missed all of his rookie season with a torn meniscus in his right knee.

McCarthy starting against the Packers in the Vikings’ season finale from U.S. Bank Stadium gives Minnesota a better chance of ending the season with a win and ensuring that the Lions finish fourth in the NFC North.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love (left shoulder/concussion) did not receive a game status and will be available Sunday, though Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters earlier this week the intention is for Love not to play in Minnesota.

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