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 an even smaller glimmer of hope. At 7-9, they are somehow still alive in the playoff race. In order to reach the playoffs, they need to win obviously.
They also need Green Bay to lose, Seattle to lose, and one of either Tampa Bay or New Orleans to lose.
It’s tough, but possible, and just like the Lions, the Vikings likely won’t give up until they are out of it for certain.
The Lions still have something to play for, and the Vikings are starting Nick Mullens. Even if the Vikings’ defense could limit the juggernaut that is the Detroit Lions’ offense, it’s hard to imagine Mullens outscoring one of the league’s top defenses throughout the year.
Pete Prisco writes, “The Vikings still have an outside chance to make the playoffs, while the Lions have already clinched a spot and could just be playing for a higher seed.
The Lions lost a tough one last week at Dallas, but back home they will get right for the playoffs with an impressive showing here against a Vikings team with a mess at quarterback.”
The BetMGM staff writes, “Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Monday he has no plans to rest starters, making the Lions a viable play.
In addition to owning a rest advantage over the Vikings, the Lions have excelled early under Campbell following a loss.
Under Campbell, Detroit is 6-1 ATS in the first half as favorites when they’re coming off a loss.”
