Lions-Vikings Matchup Has Lost Some Luster, but Playoffs Still Possible for Detroit

The Detroit Lions can't win the NFC North after taking the past two titles. The Minnesota Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention before they took the field two weeks ago.

The 29 wins these division rivals combined for last season are a distant memory now, the latest example of how quickly trajectories can shift for teams in this league from year to year.

The Lions and Vikings were a natural pair for one of the league's three showcase matchups on Christmas Day, with high-scoring offenses and plenty of star power, but it hasn't turned out that way. The earlier matchup on Thursday between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders also isn't nearly as impactful as hoped, with both NFC East rivals eliminated from contention for the playoffs.

The Lions, at least, have a chance to return to the postseason, even if the odds are around 3%.

They need help, but the roadmap is simple: Beat Minnesota on Thursday and Chicago next week and have Green Bay lose its last two games, against Baltimore on Saturday and at Minnesota in Week 18.

After reaching the NFC Championship Game for the 2023 season and logging a franchise-record 15 wins last season, the Lions (8-7) are in trouble after losing at home to Pittsburgh last week for their first two-game losing streak in more than three years.

"We haven’t had that feeling. It’s creeping in on us now," quarterback Jared Goff said. "We've got to find a way."

Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer has been preparing in this shortened week for his second start at quarterback for the Vikings (7-8), yet another unexpected development in this rocky season.

Brosmer got a most difficult assignment in his first career start on Nov. 30 at Seattle against one of the NFL’s best defenses, with J.J.