The Detroit Lions enter Week 12 sitting just outside the NFC playoff picture, but with seven games left and plenty of tiebreaker advantages, Detroit still controls its own destiny; they need a little help around the league.
Here’s your updated rooting guide, now with kickoff times and TV info included.
Steelers (6-4) at Bears (7-3)
1:00 PM ET — CBS
Who to root for: Steelers
Chicago slipping here gives Detroit a chance to pull even with a win over the Giants.
Vikings (4-6) at Packers (6-3-1)
1:00 PM ET — FOX
Who to root for: Vikings
Green Bay is the larger division threat right now, so a Packers loss helps Detroit regain control of the NFC North.
Seahawks (7-3) at Titans (1-9)
1:00 PM ET — FOX
Who to root for: Titans
Even a slim chance at a Seahawks loss helps pull one of Detroit’s Wild Card competitors closer to the pack.
Jaguars (6-4) at Cardinals (3-7)
4:05 PM ET — CBS
Who to root for: Jaguars
This won’t move the needle much, but when in doubt, choose AFC over NFC.
Eagles (8-2) at Cowboys (4-5-1)
4:25 PM ET — FOX
Who to root for: Eagles
Knocking Dallas further down the Wild Card ladder keeps another competitor off Detroit’s heels.
Falcons (3-7) at Saints (2-8)
4:25 PM ET — FOX
Who to root for: Saints
This game doesn’t impact Detroit much, but a Saints win stops Atlanta from regaining any momentum.
Buccaneers (6-4) at Rams (8-2)
8:20 PM ET — NBC (Sunday Night Football)
Who to root for: Buccaneers
Detroit already owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over Tampa, so a Rams loss could give the Lions an opening to climb the NFC ladder.
Panthers (6-5) at 49ers (7-4)
8:15 PM ET — ESPN/ABC (Monday Night Football)
Who to root for: Panthers
San Francisco holds the final Wild Card spot, so a 49ers loss directly boosts Detroit’s path back into the playoff picture.
| Matchup | Time / Channel | Who to Root For |
|---|---|---|
| Steelers at Bears | 1:00 PM ET — CBS | Steelers |
| Vikings at Packers | 1:00 PM ET — FOX | Vikings |
| Seahawks at Titans | 1:00 PM ET — FOX | Titans |
| Jaguars at Cardinals | 4:05 PM ET — CBS | Jaguars |
| Eagles at Cowboys | 4:25 PM ET — FOX | Eagles |
| Falcons at Saints | 4:25 PM ET — FOX | Saints |
| Buccaneers at Rams | 8:20 PM ET — NBC | Buccaneers |
| Panthers at 49ers | 8:15 PM ET — ESPN/ABC | Panthers |
What Week 12 Could Mean for Detroit
If the Lions beat the Giants and a few key matchups swing their way, Detroit could climb back into the NFC North lead heading into Thanksgiving, and reset the momentum for the stretch run.
Georgina Bilbrey
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