The Detroit Lions entered Week 18 with high stakes, needing a victory over the 14-win Minnesota Vikings to secure their second consecutive NFC North title.
The Lions delivered decisively, dominating their division rival on both offense and defense to claim a 31-9 victory. This win secured the Lions a first-round bye — their first-ever No. 1 overall seed in the Super Bowl era — while forcing the Vikings into a wild-card road game.
That road game ended poorly for the Vikings, prompting some to attribute their downfall to the Lions’ season-ending win.
Vikings Falter Against Los Angeles Rams
Due to wildfires in Southern California, the Vikings faced an unusual situation for their playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, having to travel to Arizona to play at a neutral site.
The relocation did not work in the Vikings’ favor. The Rams dominated early, jumping to a 10-0 first-quarter lead and extending it to 24-3 by halftime. The Rams’ defense controlled the second half, ultimately cruising to a 27-9 win and advancing to the divisional round.
Following the loss, many NFL analysts credited the Lions for the Vikings’ downturn, starting with their Week 18 defeat.
“The Lions broke the Vikings,” former NFL player and commentator Ross Tucker posted on X.
Lions reporter Tim Twentyman echoed the sentiment, noting the Lions’ position just one win away from the NFC Championship.
“The Lions broke the Vikings. Lions vs Commanders & Eagles vs Rams for NFC Championship,” he wrote on X.
Dan Campbell Praises Vikings Despite Their Struggles
Lions head coach Dan Campbell had predicted a potential playoff rematch with the Vikings, offering high praise to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell after their Week 18 meeting.
“Yeah, listen, he’s an excellent coach,” Campbell said, via Sports Illustrated. “You look at what he’s done, now, going on three years, their offensive scheme is great. They’re very creative, they know how to exploit weaknesses, and they put their players in positions to succeed.”
Lions Shift Focus to Commanders
Campbell’s prediction of a Lions-Vikings postseason rematch didn’t materialize. The No. 6 seed Washington Commanders upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, earning a trip to Detroit for the divisional round.
Campbell praised Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, highlighting his maturity and versatility.
“He is dangerous. He poses a major threat,” Campbell said, via Sports Illustrated. “He doesn’t play like a rookie quarterback. He’s composed, reads the field well, progresses effectively, and can buy time or make plays with his legs. He’s a dangerous runner.”
The Lions, aiming for their first Super Bowl appearance, now have a clearer path without facing any division rivals. The Green Bay Packers were also eliminated in the wild-card round, falling to the Philadelphia Eagles.
