Last week, the Detroit Lions got the worst possible outcome in literally every single Week 4 game, including their gut-punching loss to the Carolina Panthers.
This week is already off to a better start, as the Cowboys losing to the previously winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers was certainly the preferred outcome on Thursday night.
But what other outcomes will benefit the Lions this week? Let’s take a look in our Week 5 Detroit Lions rooting guide.
London Game — Eagles (2-2) vs. Jaguars (3-1
Root for: Jaguars
This game will mostly be over by the time
this article is published, so hopefully the Jaguars (an AFC team) beat the tumultuous Eagles.
1 p.m. ET games
Bears (3-1) at Packers (2-2)
Root for: Uhh.. Packers, I guess?
Personally, I think Chicago is the best team in the division, so let’s give them as many losses as possible. I think the Packers are the worst team in the division, but they’re generally a well-run organization, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they turned things around—especially after making some moves on the offensive line. Still, don’t root for the Packers, just root against the Bears.
Vikings (4-0) at Saints (1-3)
Root for: Saints
Easy one. The Lions are already two games behind the Vikings in the division. A loss gives the Lions an opportunity to come within one of first place.
Giants (3-1) at Commanders (1-3)
Root for: Commanders
I’m not particularly afraid of any team in the NFC East right now, but may as well hand an L to the current division leader.
4 p.m. ET games
49ers (4-0) at Seahawks (3-1)
Root for: Seahawks?
This is another toss up. One of these teams is going to be a heavy player in the NFC Wild Card race, so it benefits Detroit for them to beat up on each other as much as possible. You could certainly make the argument for the 49ers to just run away with the division and sweep everyone else in the NFC West, so if that’s your reasoning, go with that.
“Sunday Night Football”
Ravens (3-1) at Falcons (2-2)
Root for: Ravens
The Falcons suddenly have life after a dreadful start to the season. Coming off back-to-back blowout wins, they could be surprise playoff contenders. If the Ravens beat them, however, it’ll deflate that balloon a bit.
“Monday Night Football”
Bills (3-1) at Rams (2-2)
Root for: Bills
A Buffalo win both makes the Lions’ loss to them look more reasonable and sinks the “superteam” Rams to a losing record through five games—and they’re lucky they aren’t already 1-3 after a fortunate fourth quarter comeback last week.
