Lions' playoff plans pinned to Sunday night showdown against Minnesota
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Jahmyr Gibbs against the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in October. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Detroit's path to the Super Bowl could take a dramatic turn based on the outcome of Sunday's all-or-nothing showdown at Ford Field against the Minnesota Vikings.
Why it matters: The winner gets the NFC's No. 1 seed in the playoffs and two key advantages that come with it:
- A first-round bye, which would give Detroit more time to rest its injured players
- Home-field advantage leading up to the Super Bowl in New Orleans
Yes, but: If the Lions lose, they'll drop all the way down to the No. 5 seed and play on the road in the playoffs' first round.
State of play: With such massive stakes, the Lions-Vikings matchup was elevated to "Sunday Night Football" at 8:20pm on NBC.
- Both teams are 14-2, tied for first in the NFC North, so the winner also claims the division title.
- The 28 combined wins are the most shared by two teams in a regular-season matchup in NFL history.
- Tickets on the secondary market start at around $400.
What they're saying: Coach Dan Campbell called the matchup "fairytale stuff" after the Lions beat the 49ers on Monday.
- But he was more low-key when he spoke to reporters on Wednesday: "I mean, this is exciting," he said, per the Free Press. "But it's not like it's the playoffs."
What we're watching: After giving up 475 yards to San Francisco on Monday, Detroit's battered defense remains a concern.
- But linebacker and team captain Alex Anzalone, who broke his left forearm in November, could play Sunday, the Free Press reports.
- "He's really close," Campbell said.
Flashback: Detroit beat the Vikings, 31-29, on the road in Week 7.
The latest: Seven Lions made the NFL's Pro Bowl roster, announced Thursday: quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tackle Penei Sewell, center Frank Ragnow, safety Brian Branch and punter Jack Fox.
- Safety Kerby Joseph, who leads the NFL with nine interceptions, was among 11 Lions named as alternates.
The bottom line: It's only fitting that Detroit's season for the ages will end in such dramatic fashion.