There’s just one task left for the Detroit Lions to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
After the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, 27-25, in Week 17 of the NFL season, the Lions must beat the Vikings in Week 18 at Ford Field to lock up the top spot in the NFC, a bye in the first round and homefield advantage until the Super Bowl.
The Vikings got off to a great start and held a 17 point lead with under 4 minutes to play, but Jordan Love and the Packers made them sweat big time with two late scores. However, the Vikings got two first downs on the final drive to ice their 14th win of the season.
Here’s what you need to know about the Lions, the battle for the NFC North and the NFC’s 1 seed.
The Lions have been at or near the top of the standings in the NFC all year long, but the Vikings have been a major thorn in their side, going win for win for much of the year.
The Lions beat the Vikings on the road in Week 7, 31-29, with a Jake Bates field goal, putting them in the driver’s seat from that point forward. They got more help when just a few days after losing to the Lions, the Vikings lost again to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football. After that, the Vikings got red-hot again.
The Vikings have won nine straight games after defeating the Packers on Sunday to improve to 14-2.
The Lions, who enter Monday with a 13-2 record, will meet the Vikings in Week 18 at Ford Field. All of their regular-season goals will be up for grabs, whether or not they take care of business on Monday at Levi’s Stadium, where they lost to the 49ers last season in the NFC championship and missed a chance to make their first Super Bowl.
The other major player in the NFC this year, the Philadelphia Eagles, were eliminated from the race for the No. 1 seed with the Vikings win. Whoever comes out on top between the Lions and Vikings takes home the top seed, while the loser will play on the road in the wild-card round as the No. 5 seed against the NFC South or West winner on Jan. 11-13.
KEY DETAIL:Lions won’t rest starters no matter how Vikings fare: ‘Going out to play and win’
The Lions are 3½ point favorites over the 49ers for the MNF showdown in Santa Clara, California and will enter the game looking for some serious revenge after choking a 24-7 halftime lead over the 49ers in last year’s NFC championship game.
Although the result doesn’t mean much on paper, coach Dan Campbell already said the Lions will play their starters and try for the win against the 49ers no matter what.
Detroit Lions game time vs. Minnesota Vikings in Week 18
What time will the Detroit Lions play the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18 of the NFL season?
After an overtime extravaganza between the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders, which ended with the Commanders winning to clinch a playoff berth (and clinching a spot for the LA Rams, as well), we now know: The Lions will host the Vikings at 8:20 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5, on NBC in the final game of the 2024 regular season, in the league’s marquee slot.
The Lions played in that game a few years ago when they faced the Green Bay Packers in January 2023 when they had been eliminated earlier that day, but spoiled the Packers’ playoff hopes at Lambeau Field.
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The highly anticipated Week 18 matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings is set to determine not only the NFC North division winner but also the coveted 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Both teams have had impressive seasons so far, with the Lions boasting a strong offense led by quarterback Jared Goff and the Vikings showcasing a tough defense anchored by stars like Danielle Hunter and Harrison Smith.
With everything on the line in this final regular-season showdown, fans can expect a hard-fought battle between these division rivals. The outcome of this game will not only determine the winner of the NFC North but also which team secures home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
So mark your calendars and get ready for a thrilling matchup as the Lions and Vikings square off in a winner-take-all game that will have playoff implications for both teams.
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Lions vs Vikings, NFC North, NFL Week 18, 1 seed, playoff implications, divisional showdown, Lions football, Vikings football, NFC matchup
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