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Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron Salute Video of Vikings’ ‘High School Musical’ Celebration | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
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The Minnesota Vikings’ defense celebrated a turnover in style once again, recreating a dance from the movie High School Musical after recovering a fumble in the first quarter of a 27-25 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
The celebration caught the attention of the movie’s stars, as actor Zac Efron and actress Vanessa Hudgens both posted the video on their Instagram stories (via TMZ Sports). Efron also wrote that Minnesota “nailed it.”
Vikings safety Camryn Bynum released footage of the team preparing for the celebration prior to the game.
Minnesota’s defense has played a large role in the team’s 14-2 record this season, allowing a mere 18.8 points per game. The Vikings have also racked up 31 takeaways in 2024, tied for the highest mark in the NFL.
Their defense has paid tribute to multiple movies when celebrating after turnovers, replicating the handshake from 1998’s remake of The Parent Trap during a 23-17 win over the New York Jets in London on Oct. 6.
The Vikings’ defense also pulled out a dance from the movie White Chicks in the second quarter of a 42-21 victory against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14, which caught the attention of starring actor Marlon Wayans.
Minnesota already clinched a playoff spot and could have another unique celebration prepared after forcing a turnover in a postseason environment.
Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron Salute Video of Vikings’ ‘High School Musical’ CelebrationIn a heartwarming display of nostalgia, former High School Musical co-stars Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron paid tribute to the Minnesota Vikings’ recent celebration inspired by the hit Disney movie.
The Vikings, known for their love of touchdown celebrations, took fans back to the days of East High with a performance set to the iconic High School Musical soundtrack. The video quickly went viral, capturing the attention of Hudgens and Efron.
In a joint statement, the two actors expressed their excitement and gratitude for the Vikings’ creative tribute. “It’s amazing to see the impact that High School Musical continues to have on fans around the world,” said Hudgens. “We’re honored to have been a part of such a beloved franchise.”
Efron added, “Seeing the Vikings embrace the spirit of High School Musical in their celebration was truly heartwarming. It’s moments like these that remind us of the lasting power of music and storytelling.”
Fans of both High School Musical and the Vikings were thrilled to see the actors acknowledge the team’s tribute. The video has since garnered millions of views and sparked a renewed interest in the beloved movie franchise.
As fans eagerly await the next chapter in the High School Musical saga, this unexpected crossover with the Vikings serves as a reminder of the joy and nostalgia that the series continues to bring. Here’s to more memories and celebrations inspired by the Wildcats of East High!
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Zac Efron Reacts to Minnesota Vikings’ High School Musical Dance
Originally appeared on E! Online
Here and now, it’s time for celebration.
Once again, the Minnesota Vikings’ defense didn’t stick to the status quo and delivered yet another viral on-the-field dance performance. And this time they caught the attention of Zac Efron with their High School Musical routine.
Early during their game against the Green Bay Packers Dec. 29, Vikings safety Camryn Bynum recovered a fumble and to celebrate led several teammates in doing the choreography from the 2006 film’s closing number, “We’re All in This Together.”
As for how Efron reacted? The actor—who played Troy Bolton, high school basketball superstar and walk-on musical aficionado, in all three of the films—gave the Vikings’ execution his seal of approval, writing on his Instagram Story “Nailed it!!”
And Bynum made it clear that the NFL players’ commitment extends far beyond football. The 26-year-old shared a glimpse of him rehearsing with several teammates, including Theo Jackson, Joshua Metellus, Dwight McGlothern and Byron Murphy Jr. as well as showing how their practice compared with their game day performance and the High School Musical scene itself.
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In addition to Efron, several HSM alum weighed in on social media, with Corbin Bleu channeling his inner Ms. Darbus with a simple, “Bravo” while KayCee Stroh wrote, “Get it wildcats!!! Mad impressed.”
Camryn Bynum/Instagram
Of course, High School Musical is just the latest movie-inspired celebration dance Bynum has led with his team with. During the Vikings’ Dec. 22 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, they channeled their inner Mitchie Torres with the Camp Rock 2 dance—earning shoutouts from Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers. Plus, they’ve recreated the iconic dance off from White Chicks and the Parent Trap handshake in recent games.
So, what’s the inspiration behind their many viral field moments? “In the NFL, it’s hard to make plays,” Bynum explained in a recent NFL profile. “So, when we have the success, we make sure to live in the moment and really celebrate it.”
While he’s officially a safety on the team, the athlete noted that is also the Vikings’ “celebration coordinator.” And while he takes pride in recreating moments from his and teammates’ favorite movies, Bynum points to the team’s impressive season—they lead the NFC North with a 14-2 record—as proof the lighthearted moments are making an impact.
“The wins that we’ve had, the plays that we’ve been able to make,” he added, “I think it’s a full circle of why we’re winning. And I think having fun is the formula for all of this.”
As fans await the movie magic the Vikings have in store next, keep reading for secrets from the High School Musical movies.
1. The title High School Musical was initially just a placeholder as Disney and the filmmakers had not yet decided on a name.
2. Hunter Parrish and Sterling Knight both auditioned for the role of Troy Bolton, losing out, of course, to Zac Efron. However, they would go on to star alongside him in 17 Again, playing his high school nemesis/daughter’s loser boyfriend and his son, respectively.
3. Corbin Bleu, meanwhile, first auditioned for Ryan Evans, telling Buzzfeed, “At the time, I didn’t know about the role of Chad Danforth.” Once he landed the role, Corbin actually became the person to come up with all of the catchphrases on Chad’s signature graphic t-shirts. “They’re in a box in my garage,” he revealed of Chad’s collection.
4. Before going on to land the roles of Sharpay and Taylor, both Ashley Tisdale and Monique Coleman auditioned for Gabriella. “I just knew that I was terrible,” Monique said of her Gabriella audition. “I didn’t really feel equipped to sing and dance.”
5. Lucas Grabeel, meanwhile, first read for the part of Troy, but knew right away he wasn’t landing the role: “I went in right after Drew Seeley, who ended up singing for Troy in the movie,” he told Buzzfeed. “I obviously heard him because it was in a trailer, so it was really thin walls and I was like, oh shit. I’m totally not gonna get this because that guy’s incredible.”
6. Oh yeah, in case you didn’t know: Drew actually provided the singing voice for Troy in the first HSM movie. Drew would go on to fill in for Zac on the High School Musical tour when scheduling conflicts got in the way, but for the follow-up movies, it was all Zac on Troy’s tracks.
“That was a very huge point for me. I had to put my foot down and fight to get my voice on these tracks,” Zac told the Orlando Sentinel. “In the first movie, after everything was recorded, my voice was not on them. I was not really given an explanation. It just kind of happened that way. Unfortunately, it put me in an awkward position.”
7. According to Rolling Stone‘s iconic cover story on Zac (aka “The New American Heartthrob”), one in three teenage girls in America actually had a poster of him on their wall (though they cited a random web site for this factoid).
8. The sibling rivalry was just as real off-screen as it was on-screen for Ashley and Lucas…at least at first. “We were not close. We were not good friends…we hated each other,” Ashley admitted during a video she recorded with Lucas for her YouTube channel. Lucas added that the pair “didn’t get off on the best foot” when they started filming the first movie, but eventually became close friends. How fabulous!
9. In an interview with Buzzfeed, Lucas revealed he pushed for Ryan’s sexuality to be explored early on. “After reading the script, the first thing I said to [Kenny Ortega] was, ‘OK, Kenny, Ryan’s gay, right? I know it’s Disney Channel so I’m not really gonna be gay, but I mean, yeah, right?’ And he’s like, ‘Well, think of it this way: You have the opportunity to play a character who’s young, he’s into theater, he’s an artist and let’s go at it from that point of view,’” Lucas explained. “He talked to me about his own life and he was like, ‘I see a lot of myself in Ryan. Yeah, I knew I was gay in high school, but I didn’t tell anybody.’ It was about making it real.”
10. Ryan’s iconic jazz squares were all Lucas’ creation, along with Ryan and Sharpay’s vocal warm-up exercises. “It’s making fun of, but also an homage to two different choreographers I had when I was a kid who would put jazz squares in every single number,” Lucas revealed. “They never said, ‘Everybody loves a good jazz square,’ but it just fit, so I wanted to make it a thing that Ryan wanted to put a jazz square in every number.”
11. On the set, Kenny kept a yawn jar, which anyone who yawned had to contribute to. “Every year for, like, five years, on Christmas he would donate to a charity in our names,” Monique said, noting the money went to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah.
12. After filming on the first movie finished, Monique returned home to discover an eviction notice on her door and was struggling to pay her bills, as was Lucas who had trouble booking another job after the HSM.
13. After the record-breaking success of the first film, Disney gave fans the chance to weigh in on decisions on the highly anticipated sequel, including slogans that would appear on Chad’s t-shirts, the type of sandwiches Troy and Gabriella would eat on their date and the (very brief) appearance by Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus.
14. Like her on-screen character Ms. Darbus, the drama teacher at East High, Alyson Reed helped mentor the kids off-screen too. In fact, she even went on to become Monique’s acting teacher. “She was the person I felt the most comfortable with,” Monique told Buzzfeed. “I really credit her with helping me get my confidence back.”
15. The third film in the franchise was initially intended to be a Halloween-themed feature called Haunted High School Musical, but the concept was ultimately (and fortunately) dropped, with Zac telling MTV at the time, “Yeah, I don’t think the haunted thing lasted very long.” The third and final film, the only HSM movie to hit theaters, was then called High School Musical: Senior Year.
16. Selena Gomez was almost cast in HSM 3 as Tiara Gold, Sharpay’s new rival. But, the Disney darling decided to turn down the role “because I didn’t want to do it,” she told the New York Daily News at the time. “I plan to take other roles in acting that are challenging for me. After Disney, I want to be taken seriously as an actress for many years.” Ali Lohan also reportedly went out for the role that ultimately went to Jemma McKenzie-Brown.
17. Chad’s dad appears for the first time in the third installment, and Mr. Danforth is played by Corbin’s real-life father, David Reivers. (They also played father and son in Jump In! and Free Style.)
18. Ashley revealed to Buzzfeed that she took home almost all of Sharpay’s wardrobe from the first movie, admitting, “Did I think I was going to wear them on the red carpet? Probably, at the time.” And when Disney tried to eventually get the items back, Ashley pulled a Sharpay and said she’d rather stick toothpicks into her eyes. “I was like, “No, this is mine.’ So they don’t have any of the clothes from the first movie. I do.”
19. When the first movie came out, fans obsessed over which cast members might be dating, with many thinking Zac and Ashley were an item. “I remember people thinking that Zac Efron and I dated, because we were on a lot of magazine covers together, because we were promoting the first movie,” Ashley recalled. “So, we just thought that was really funny, because he was obviously dating someone else, and he’s my best friend.”
20. Ah yes, Zanessa. HSM fans had a near meltdown when it was revealed Zac and Vanessa were a couple IRL. They would go on to date for four years, becoming one of young Hollywood’s most beloved couples before their split in 2010. “It started off really organically,” Vanessa recalled on THR’s Awards Chatter podcast. “I could not have been more grateful to have that relationship at the time.”
21. While they kept it professional on the set of the movies, they once fought during HSM 3. “I remember one time we did have a fight and it was while we were at rehearsals,” she remembered, “and I remember Kenny Ortega coming around the corner with the most concerned look on his face like, ‘Oh no, is our movie going to fall apart right?’”
22. In 2016, Disney Channel announced a casting call for High School Musical 4, looking for a new generation of east High Wildcats to continue the franchise. Jeffrey Hornaday, who directed Disney Channel hits Teen Beach Movie and Teen Beach 2, was attached to direct and choreograph the new movie, which ultimately never ended up coming to fruition.
23. The High School Musical soundtrack was the top-selling album of 2006, per Billboard, with 3.7 million copies sold, and was the first-ever TV Movie soundtrack to hit No. 1 on the sales chart.
24. High School Musical 2 is still one of the highest rated Disney Channel Original Movie of all-time, drawing a whopping 17.2 million viewers. “This was our Super Bowl,” Disney Channel president Gary Marsh said at the time. “I think we have officially crossed the line from High School Musical the movie to High School Musical the mania.”
25. With a budget of just $11 million, High School Musical 3: Senior Year grossed over $250 million worldwide in 2008, debuting at No. 1 at the box office in its first week.
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Zac Efron, the heartthrob actor known for his role in High School Musical, recently reacted to a viral video of the Minnesota Vikings’ football team performing a dance routine inspired by the hit Disney movie.In the video, the players can be seen dancing and singing along to the iconic song “We’re All In This Together” from High School Musical, complete with coordinated choreography and enthusiastic energy. The video quickly gained traction on social media, with fans of both the Vikings and High School Musical praising the team for their creative performance.
Zac Efron, who played the role of Troy Bolton in the High School Musical franchise, took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the Vikings’ rendition of the popular song. He tweeted, “Love seeing the @Vikings getting their High School Musical on! Looks like they’ve got some serious dance moves. Maybe I should join them for a game sometime #Wildcats”
Fans of both Zac Efron and the Vikings were thrilled to see the actor’s reaction to the viral video, with many expressing their excitement at the prospect of seeing Efron join the team for a game. Whether or not that will actually happen remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – the Vikings’ High School Musical dance has definitely caught the attention of fans and celebrities alike.
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Who gets the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye if the Vikings and Lions tie in Week 18?
![dan-campbell.jpg]()
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The NFL script writers sure saved the best for last. The Lions host the Vikings on “Sunday Night Football” to end the regular season, the first regular-season game in NFL history between teams with 13-plus wins.
You couldn’t draw up a regular-season game with much more at stake than this one. The winner of the game will be the one seed in the NFC, win the NFC North and have home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Neither team would have to play outdoors all postseason.
The loser will get the five seed in the NFC and go on the road in the wild-card round (either at the Rams, Buccaneers or Falcons), becoming the first 14-win team to ever play in that round. There’s a good chance the five seed’s path to the Super Bowl would include a road game at the NFC North champion in the divisional round and the No. 2 seed Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.
That’s a massive difference, considering one seeds have made 49 Super Bowls since the playoffs expanded to 10 teams in 1978, and five seeds have made a grand total of three.
OK but what if there’s a tie?
There has not been a tie since Week 13 of 2022 between the Giants and Commanders, but if you remember the Chargers-Raiders regular season finale in 2021, anything can happen. The Raiders won that game on a 47-yard field goal as time expired in overtime; otherwise it would have ended in a tie and the Steelers would have missed the playoffs.
A tie in Sunday’s Vikings-Lions game wouldn’t be quite that doomsday scenario. The Lions would get the one seed because they own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Vikings courtesy of a 31-29 win in Minnesota in Week 7.
In the event of a tie, it also means Detroit’s result on Monday in San Francisco wasn’t completely meaningless. If the Lions had lost that game and tied in Week 18 vs. the Vikings, they would be the five seed.
I think Dan Campbell would sooner instantaneously combust than play for a tie in overtime, but if somehow the game ended in a tie, the Lions would be the beneficiaries.
In the event of a tie between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions in Week 18, the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye would go to the team that wins the tiebreaker. The tiebreaker scenario would involve looking at various factors such as head-to-head record, division record, conference record, strength of victory, and strength of schedule.It is important to note that tiebreakers can be complex and may require multiple steps to determine the final outcome. Ultimately, the team that comes out on top in the tiebreaker process will secure the coveted No. 1 seed and a well-deserved first-round bye in the playoffs.
Stay tuned as the Vikings and Lions battle it out on the field in Week 18, with potentially high stakes on the line for both teams in the race for the NFC’s top seed.
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NFC North title down to Week 18 game vs. Minnesota Vikings
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The NFC North title race comes down to Week 18 showdown against the Minnesota VikingsAfter a grueling 17-week regular season, the NFC North title will be decided in a highly anticipated Week 18 matchup between the top two teams in the division, the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings.
Both teams have had impressive seasons, with the Packers currently holding a slight edge in the standings. Led by star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have been dominant on both sides of the ball, boasting one of the top offenses in the league and a solid defense to match.
On the other hand, the Vikings have been on a hot streak in recent weeks, winning crucial games to stay in the playoff race. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been playing at a high level, and the Vikings’ defense has been formidable, making them a tough opponent for any team.
The Week 18 matchup between these two rivals is sure to be a thrilling and intense game, with the NFC North title hanging in the balance. Both teams will be fighting tooth and nail for the division crown and a spot in the playoffs, making this game a must-watch for football fans everywhere.
So mark your calendars and get ready for an epic showdown as the Packers and Vikings battle it out for supremacy in the NFC North. It’s sure to be a game for the ages, with plenty of drama and excitement in store. Don’t miss it!
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Minnesota Vikings’ Jordan Addison Joins Odell Beckham In NFL History
The Minnesota Vikings denied a spirited comeback from their NFC North counterparts for a much-needed 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers to improve to 14-2 on the season and set up a winner-take-all scenario against the Detroit Lions next week. The former USC Trojans wide receiver hauled in six receptions for 69 receiving yards and a highlight reel touchdown from a fellow USC Trojan in quarterback Sam Darnold. Addison has firmly cemented himself as one of the best wide receiver two’s, 1b as some like to call it, in the NFL.
In his second season, Addison is now up to 62 receptions, 875 receiving yards, and nine receiving touchdowns. His nine receiving touchdowns ranks tied for tenth in the NFL, and only All-Pro’s Mike Evans, Tyreek Hill, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Ja’Marr Chase have more receiving touchdowns since Addison entered the league in 2023.
Addison has accomplished the feat in 14 games played so far due to injury earlier in the season. After slowly working his way back into the fold, Addison has been one of the most productive pass catchers in the last six games of the regular season.
Trojan + Trojan = touchdown
— USC Football (@uscfb) December 29, 2024
“It’s going to be tough. You know what I’m saying? We need all the Vikings fans heading to Detroit this weekend, and we’re going to put it out for them,” said Jordan Addison of the challenge ahead next weekend in the FOX post-game field interview.
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With his ninth touchdown reception of the season and 19th of his career, Addison is now tied with Odell Beckham Jr. for the fourth-most receiving touchdowns by a player under the age of 23 in NFL history. Only Rob Gronkowski, Randy Moss, and Ja’Marr Chase have had more. With All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson playing opposite him, Addison has become one of the biggest mismatches on the field.
“I’m not even going to lie it’s a lot of fun. It doesn’t even feel like work. When everyone comes in the building we’re smiling, laughing, playing with good energy and we’re just doing our thing,” Addison continued.
With his ninth touchdown reception of the season and 19th of his career, WR Jordan Addison is now tied with Odell Beckham Jr. for the fourth-most receiving touchdowns by a player under the age of 23 in NFL history.
28 – Randy Moss
27 – Rob Gronkowski
22 – Ja’Marr Chase
19 -… https://t.co/XoVRE2t4VY— Vikings Communications (@VikingsPR) December 29, 2024
Next up, the Vikings take on the Detroit Lions for a winner-take-all all matchup to determine the NFC No. 1 seed, the NFC North division crown, and home-field advantage throughout the 2025-2025 NFL Playoffs. Addison and company will all need to have big days to overcome that obstacle and defeat the Lions.
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Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison has officially joined Odell Beckham Jr. in NFL history after recording an impressive performance in his first season.Addison, who was drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly made a name for himself with his outstanding play on the field. In just his first season, Addison has already racked up over 1,000 receiving yards and multiple touchdowns, earning him a spot alongside Beckham Jr. in the NFL record books.
Beckham Jr., who burst onto the scene in 2014 with the New York Giants, quickly became one of the league’s most dynamic and electrifying wide receivers. Known for his one-handed catches and explosive playmaking ability, Beckham Jr. set numerous records in his first few seasons in the league.
Now, Addison is following in Beckham Jr.’s footsteps, making a name for himself as one of the most exciting young receivers in the NFL. With his speed, agility, and hands, Addison has proven to be a force to be reckoned with on the field.
As Addison continues to make his mark in the NFL, fans are excited to see what the future holds for this talented young receiver. With his exceptional talent and work ethic, Addison has the potential to become a standout player in the league for years to come.
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Alex Anzalone has message for Lions fans after Vikings urge fans to invade Ford Field
The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are set to do battle in a crucial Week 18 game at Ford Field. The winner of that contest will grab the No. 1 seed and the NFC North title.
While the Lions had a shot to wrap things up in both areas going into Week 17, the Vikings spoiled that by beating the Green Bay Packers, which will force Detroit to beat the Vikings in order to get a first-round bye and home-field advantage.
After the Vikings beat the Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison, who totaled six catches for 69 yards and a touchdown in the win, urged Minnesota’s fans to invade Ford Field for the upcoming showdown between the NFC North rivals.
“It’s going to be tough,” Addison said of the matchup. “We need all the Vikings fans heading to Detroit this weekend, and we’re going to put it out for them.”
After catching wind of that, Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone had a message for Lions fans: don’t let it happen.
“One Pride, you know the drill,” Anzalone tweeted.
One Pride, you know the drill https://t.co/VfqlWZjwYn
— Alex Anzalone (@AlexAnzalone34) December 30, 2024
Lions fans always show out, and that’s especially true for a massively important game like this one. Knowing that, Vikings fans are going to have a tough time making a dent in the crowd disparity.
Anzalone suffered a broken forearm in Week 11 and is one of the injured players the Lions are hoping to get back, either before or during the playoffs. Head coach Dan Campbell recently said Anzalone is “close” to returning.
“It’s close,” Campbell said of Anzalone on Monday. “I don’t know about this week. It’s close.”
The Lions did not designate Anzalone to return from injured reserve, so he won’t be back for the San Francisco 49ers game on Monday night. However, there is a chance he can make it back for the Vikings game. If not, it seems almost certain Anzalone will be ready to go for the playoffs, barring any setbacks.
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Alex Anzalone has message for Lions fans after Vikings urge fans to invade Ford FieldIn response to the Minnesota Vikings urging their fans to invade Ford Field for their upcoming matchup against the Detroit Lions, linebacker Alex Anzalone has a message for Lions fans: don’t let them take over our home turf.
Anzalone, who has been a key leader on the Lions defense this season, took to social media to rally the Detroit faithful and remind them that Ford Field is our house and we won’t let any opposing fans come in and take over.
“Hey Lions fans, let’s show the Vikings who owns Ford Field,” Anzalone wrote. “We need all of you to come out and be loud, be proud, and support us as we defend our home turf. Let’s make it a sea of Honolulu blue and silver and show them what real Detroit pride looks like.”
With the Lions sitting at a 3-3 record and looking to build momentum, having a strong home-field advantage could make all the difference in securing a crucial win against a division rival like the Vikings.
So, Lions fans, let’s heed Anzalone’s call and show up in full force to support our team and make Ford Field a fortress that no opposing team can invade. Let’s show the Vikings and the rest of the NFL that Detroit is a force to be reckoned with. #OnePride #DefendTheDen
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Lions, Vikings to battle for NFC’s No. 1 seed, 1st-round bye
The NFC’s No. 1 seed will come down to the final game of the regular season when the Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday night.
The winner takes the NFC North and gets a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. The loser becomes the No. 5 seed and must play on the road in the wild-card round. The Lions hold the tiebreaker if the teams enter with identical records and play to a tie.
The Vikings (14-2) held on for a 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday to set up the high-stakes showdown in Week 18. The Lions (13-2) visit the San Francisco 49ers (6-9) on Monday night in a rematch of the NFC title game. If they win, they have to beat the Vikings again or tie. Detroit beat Minnesota 31-29 in Week 7. If they lose or tie, they must defeat the Vikings.
The Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) clinched the NFC East and locked up the No. 2 seed with a 41-7 rout of the Dallas Cowboys. However, coach Nick Sirianni has a tough decision to make this week. Saquon Barkley is 101 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season record for rushing yards in a season.
Sirianni has to decide whether to rest Barkley and most of his starters to prepare for the playoffs or let his star try for the 40-year-old record.
The Los Angeles Rams (10-6) clinched the NFC West and the Seattle Seahawks (9-7) were eliminated when the Commanders beat the Falcons 30-24 in overtime Sunday night. Washington (11-5) secured a wild-card berth with the win. The Commanders and the Packers (11-5) hold the final two NFC playoff spots.
Atlanta’s loss gave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) control of the NFC South and dropped the Falcons (8-8) into second place. The Buccaneers would clinch the division with a victory or tie against New Orleans next Sunday.
Three teams in the AFC have already secured their seeds. The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) won the AFC West weeks ago and clinched the No. 1 seed.
The AFC East champion Buffalo Bills (13-3) are the No. 2 seed. The AFC South champion Houston Texans (9-7) are the No. 4 seed.
The Baltimore Ravens (11-5) would win the AFC North and get the No. 3 seed with a win or tie against Cleveland on Saturday or a loss or tie by Pittsburgh, which hosts Cincinnati on Saturday night.
If they don’t win the division, the Steelers have already clinched a wild-card berth. The Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) also secured a wild-card spot. They’ll be no lower than the sixth seed.
The final AFC playoff spot comes down to the Broncos (9-7), Dolphins (8-8) or Bengals (8-8).
Denver clinches with a win or tie against the Chiefs. The Dolphins need the Broncos to lose and they must beat the Jets on the road to get in. The Bengals must win and the Broncos and Dolphins have to lose for them to get in.
Exciting news for NFL fans as the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are set to face off in a crucial matchup to determine the NFC’s No. 1 seed and secure a first-round bye in the playoffs. Both teams have been on a hot streak this season, with impressive records and standout performances from key players.The Lions, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, have been a force to be reckoned with on offense, while the Vikings have relied on their strong defense to shut down opponents. This game is sure to be a nail-biter as these two division rivals battle it out for the coveted top spot in the NFC.
Fans can expect a hard-fought game with playoff implications on the line. The winner of this matchup will have a significant advantage heading into the postseason, so both teams will be giving it their all to come out on top.
Be sure to tune in to see which team will emerge victorious and claim the No. 1 seed in the NFC. It’s sure to be a game you won’t want to miss!
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NFL playoff picture and draft order Week 17: Vikings hang on in race for top seed as Rams, Commanders clinch
As Week 17 of the season wraps up, we now know this: The Philadelphia Eagles are NFC East champions, the Indianapolis Colts were eliminated from the AFC playoff race, and both the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Rams earned playoff spots.
And the NFC race will now come down to a winner-take-all battle in the NFC North.
The Eagles became the first team in the NFC to claim a division title after their blowout of the rival Dallas Cowboys. Their chances of winning the conference, however, were eliminated on Sunday afternoon after the Vikings held on to beat the Green Bay Packers in Minneapolis. The Vikings’ matchup with the Detroit Lions next week will now determine who wins both the NFC North and the NFC’s No. 1 seed as a whole. The winner of that game gets a first-round bye, and the loser will be the No. 5 seed and have to travel for their first playoff game.
Also in the NFC, the Washington Commanders secured a playoff spot with their overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons. That also gave the Los Angeles Rams the NFC West title and a playoff spot of their own via the strength of victory tiebreaker against the Seattle Seahawks after beating the Arizona Cardinals, 13-9, on Saturday night.
Colts out of AFC playoff picture
In the AFC, six of the seven playoff spots are taken, and one of them won’t be the Colts, who lost at the New York Giants on Sunday. The defeat knocked them out of the postseason race.
The Kansas City Chiefs clinched the conference’s overall top seed with a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday. The Los Angeles Chargers joined the postseason party with a 40-7 win over the New England Patriots on Saturday afternoon. And the Cincinnati Bengals avoided elimination by defeating the Denver Broncos in overtime on Saturday night.
The Broncos missed a chance to clinch a playoff berth with a win or tie at the Bengals. It would’ve been their first time in the postseason since winning Super Bowl 50. They will conclude the regular season against the Chiefs, who don’t have much to play for with the No. 1 seed already secured.
In order to nab that final postseason wild-card ticket, the Bengals need to win their regular-season finale against the Steelers, have the Broncos lose to the Chiefs and the Dolphins lose next week at the New York Jets. Miami rolled over the Browns on Sunday afternoon.
The Dolphins can get that final playoff slot with a win against the Jets and a Broncos defeat in Week 18.
What’s left in NFC field?
The NFC North title is up for grabs and down to the Lions and Vikings.
The Vikings beat the Packers at home on Sunday to get to 14-2 on the season. That moved them into the lead in the NFC North. The division will come down to their game next week in Detroit regardless of whether the Lions beat the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. As of now, the Vikings are looking at a first-round bye in the playoffs.
The rest of the conference is just about solidified. The Commanders are back in the playoffs for the first time since winning the division in 2020 after beating the Falcons. The Buccaneers are leading the NFC South after their blowout win over the Carolina Panthers, but that division is not yet locked up.
Here’s a look at where things stand playoff-wise as we enter the last four games of Week 17.
NFC playoff picture
As of Dec. 29, here’s what the playoff race looks like in the NFC. Bolded teams have clinched a playoff spot.
1. Minnesota Vikings (14-2)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) vs. 7. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
3. Los Angeles Rams (10-6) vs. 6. Washington Commanders (11-5)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) vs. 5. Detroit Lions (13-2)*
On the bubble
8. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)
9. Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
AFC playoff picture
As of Dec. 29, here’s what the playoff race looks like in the AFC. Bolded teams have clinched a playoff spot.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
2. Buffalo Bills (13-3) vs. 7. Denver Broncos (9-7)
3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) vs. 6. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
4. Houston Texans (9-7) vs. 5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
On the bubble
8 . Miami Dolphins (8-8)
9. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
Full NFC standings
As of Dec. 29 here’s where things stand in the NFC. Bolded teams have clinched a playoff spot. Italicized teams have been eliminated from the playoffs.
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
2. Washington Commanders (11-5)
3. Dallas Cowboys (7-9)
4. New York Giants (3-13)
NFC North
1. Minnesota Vikings (14-2)
2. Detroit Lions (13-2)*
3. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
4. Chicago Bears (4-12)
NFC South
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
2. Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
3. New Orleans Saints (5-11)
4. Carolina Panthers (4-12)
NFC West
1. Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
2. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)
3. Arizona Cardinals (7-9)
4. San Francisco 49ers (6-9)*
Full AFC standings
As of Dec. 29 here’s where things stand in the AFC. Bolded teams have clinched a playoff spot. Italicized teams have been eliminated from the playoffs.
AFC East
1. Buffalo Bills (13-3)
2. Miami Dolphins (8-8)
3. New York Jets (4-12)
4. New England Patriots (3-13)
AFC North
1. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
3. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
4. Cleveland Browns (3-13)
AFC South
1. Houston Texans (9-7)
2. Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
3. Tennessee Titans (3-13)
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13)
AFC West
1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
2. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
3. Denver Broncos (9-7)
4. Las Vegas Raiders (4-12)
NFL Draft order
As for the draft order, both the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders are playing their way out of the top pick and an easy spot to acquire a new franchise quarterback.
The New England Patriots moved into position to claim the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft this weekend after both the Giants and Raiders won. Both franchises could use a new quarterback, and both Miami star Cam Ward and Colorado star Shedeur Sanders are available and expected to go early in the draft. It would’ve been an easy move for both the Giants and Raiders to scoop either quarterback had they lost on Sunday. Now, though, it’s unclear if either player will still be around by the time they are on the clock.
Here’s a look at the current NFL Draft order with one game left in Week 17:
1. New England Patriots (3-13)
2. Tennessee Titans (3-13)
3. Cleveland Browns (3-13)
4. New York Giants (3-13)
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12)
6. Carolina Panthers (4-12)
7. New York Jets (4-12)
8. Las Vegas Raiders (4-12)
9. Chicago Bears (4-12)
10. New Orleans Saints (5-11)
11. San Francisco 49ers (6-9)*
12. Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
13. Dallas Cowboys (7-9)
14. Arizona Cardinals (7-9)
15. Miami Dolphins (8-8)
16. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
17. Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
18. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)
—
19. Houston Texans (9-7)
20. Denver Broncos (9-7)
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
22. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
23. Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
24. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
25. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
26. Washington Commanders (11-5)
27. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
28. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
29. Buffalo Bills (13-3)
30. Detroit Lions (13-2)*
31. Minnesota Vikings (14-2)
32. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
*The Lions and 49ers will wrap up the week on Monday night.
As we head into Week 17 of the NFL season, the playoff picture is starting to become clearer. The Minnesota Vikings are hanging on in the race for the top seed in the NFC, while the Los Angeles Rams and the Washington Commanders have clinched playoff spots.The Vikings currently hold the top seed in the NFC with a record of 11-4, but they are closely followed by the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are both 10-5. The Rams, who are 11-4, have clinched a playoff spot and are looking to secure a first-round bye with a strong finish to the season.
In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs have already clinched the top seed, while the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans are also in the mix for the top spot. The Commanders, with a record of 9-6, have clinched a playoff spot and are looking to make a deep run in the postseason.
As for the draft order, the Detroit Lions currently hold the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, followed by the Houston Texans and the New York Jets. The Lions are in prime position to select a top prospect in next year’s draft and improve their roster for the future.
With just one week left in the regular season, teams are jockeying for playoff positioning and draft order. It’s sure to be an exciting finish to the season as teams look to secure their spot in the postseason and improve their future prospects through the draft. Stay tuned for more updates as the playoff picture and draft order continue to take shape.
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NFL playoff picture, NFL draft order, Week 17, Vikings, top seed, Rams, Commanders, playoff race, NFL standings, playoff scenarios, playoff seedings, draft positioning, NFL postseason, playoff clinch, NFL playoff race
#NFL #playoff #picture #draft #order #Week #Vikings #hang #race #top #seed #Rams #Commanders #clinchWeek 17 instant reactions: Vikings should be feared, Patriots steal first pick | Inside Coverage
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In this episode of Inside Coverage, Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab dive into the fallout from every game of Week 17 NFL action, from a looming monster matchup to a coaching decision that could change the landscape of the 2024 season. Fitz and Frank agree: next week’s showdown between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions is one of the most high-stakes regular season games of all time, and Campbell has a huge decision to make about whether or not to sit players on Monday night.
As the duo breaks down the week’s key matchups, they touch on Sam Darnold’s explosive performance for the Vikings, why the Green Bay Packers still haven’t proven they can beat top teams and how the Los Angeles Chargers are shaping up for a playoff run. The Denver Broncos suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Cincinnati Bengals with playoff hopes on the line, while the New York Jets’ disastrous performance against the Buffalo Bills raised even more questions about their future. Fitz and Schwab also dig into Brock Bowers breaking records and the Indianapolis Colts’ playoff chances crumbling with a disastrous performance.
Fitz and Schwab also weigh in on the fate of Mike McCarthy after the Dallas Cowboys’ embarrassing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and the rest of the Sunday slate before giving their uncertain predictions for an awkward Monday night matchup between the Detroit Lions & San Francisco 49ers.
(1:50) – Week 18 battle for home field advantage
(11:00) – Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings
(22:00) – Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Commanders
(31:00) – Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots
(35:00) – Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals
(39:00) – Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams
(40:50) – New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills
(44:30) – Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles
(47:50) – Las Vegas Raiders @ New Orleans Saints
(52:00) – Indianapolis Colts @ New York Giants
(57:20) – Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
(58:20) – Miami Dolphins @ Cleveland Browns
(59:40) – Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(1:02:50) – MNF preview
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) smiles while leaving the field after winning 27-25 against the Green Bay Packers following an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs) Watch this full episode on YouTube
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Week 17 Instant Reactions: Vikings Should Be Feared, Patriots Steal First PickAs the regular season comes to a close, Week 17 brought some surprising outcomes and standout performances. Here are the top instant reactions from the last week of NFL action:
1. Vikings Should Be Feared: The Minnesota Vikings put on a dominant performance in their win over the Chicago Bears, securing their spot in the playoffs. With Kirk Cousins leading the way and a strong defense, the Vikings are a team to be feared in the postseason. Their balanced attack and solid play on both sides of the ball make them a dangerous opponent for any team.
2. Patriots Steal First Pick: In a shocking turn of events, the New England Patriots managed to secure the first overall pick in the upcoming draft with a loss to the Miami Dolphins. This unexpected outcome has left many fans and analysts scratching their heads, as the Patriots were not expected to be in contention for the top pick. It will be interesting to see how they utilize this valuable draft position to improve their roster.
Overall, Week 17 provided plenty of excitement and intrigue as teams jockeyed for playoff positioning and draft positioning. With the postseason on the horizon, the Vikings and Patriots are two teams to keep an eye on as they look to make their mark in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more coverage and analysis as the NFL playoffs kick off.
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Week 17 instant reactions, Vikings, Patriots, NFL, football, sports, analysis, Vikings performance, Patriots victory, first pick, Inside Coverage
#Week #instant #reactions #Vikings #feared #Patriots #steal #pick #Coverage
Lions vs Vikings in Week 18 will decide NFC North and 1 seed
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.
Tags:
Lions vs Vikings, NFC North, NFL Week 18, 1 seed, playoff implications, divisional showdown, Lions football, Vikings football, NFC matchup
#Lions #Vikings #Week #decide #NFC #North #seed
![<p>8. The sibling rivalry was just as real off-screen as it was on-screen for Ashley and Lucas...at least at first. "We were not close. We were not good friends...we hated each other," Ashley admitted during a video she recorded with Lucas for her YouTube channel. Lucas added that the pair "didn't get off on the best foot" when they started filming the first movie, but eventually became close friends. How fabulous!</p> <p>9. In an interview with Buzzfeed, Lucas revealed he pushed for Ryan's sexuality to be explored early on. "After reading the script, the first thing I said to [<strong>Kenny Ortega</strong>] was, 'OK, Kenny, Ryan's gay, right? I know it's Disney Channel so I'm not really gonna be gay, but I mean, yeah, right?' And he's like, 'Well, think of it this way: You have the opportunity to play a character who's young, he's into theater, he's an artist and let's go at it from that point of view,'" Lucas explained. "He talked to me about his own life and he was like, 'I see a lot of myself in Ryan. Yeah, I knew I was gay in high school, but I didn't tell anybody.' It was about making it real."</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LlkSsChWGQFlXTK2_6DuwA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE1NTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/e__181/91f51a22263faab82eb90cbbe05662a8)
