The Detroit Lions are NFC North champions! Never thought I’d get to write that in my lifetime, but after Week 18, it will be official. The Lions will have won their first division title in three decades, and the only thing standing between them and a home playoff game are the Minnesota Vikings.
It isn’t all sunshine and rainbows though. The Lions are still fighting for playoff seeding. Going into Week 18, they can wind up either the No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the NFC. A lot needs to happen for the Lions to earn that second seed, but it is possible, so you can imagine Dan Campbell and his crew will throw everything at the Vikings for even a glimmer of hope.
The Vikings have a much smaller glimmer of optimism. They are still in the playoff race despite their 7-9 record. To advance to the playoffs, they must surely win. They also need Green Bay and Seattle to lose, as well as one of Tampa Bay or New Orleans. It’s difficult but conceivable, and the Vikings, like the Lions, are unlikely to quit up until they’re out of it for good.
Here’s everything you should know.
The Lions still have something to play for, and the Vikings will start Nick Mullens. Even if the Vikings’ defense can contain the Detroit Lions’ attack, it’s difficult to imagine Mullens outscoring one of the league’s best defenses all year.
According to Pete Prisco, the Vikings still have a chance to make the playoffs, whereas the Lions have already secured a position and may just be competing for a higher seed. The Lions suffered a painful loss in Dallas last week, but they will return home and prepare for the playoffs with a strong performance against a Vikings club with a problem at quarterback.”
