If the Vikings beat the Packers on Sunday, the Lions can clinch the NFC North with a win in Week 18 no matter what they do vs. the 49ers.

After the Detroit Lions saw their fortunes take a pleasant turn with the Washington Commanders’ upset of the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon, it appeared possible the Minnesota Vikings would extend the favor by losing to the Seahawks in Seattle.

The Detroit Lions watched Washington beat Philadelphia on their cellphones following a 34-17 bounce-back win at Chicago that helped them keep pace with Minnesota in the race for the NFC North title and top seeding in the conference.

Is Detroit on a collision course with Minnesota for the top seed in the playoffs? Despite the best season in franchise history, their division rival may derail their plans for a first-round bye.

The Detroit Lions are a win and one Minnesota Vikings loss vs. Seattle or Green Bay from clinching the top NFC playoff seed and NFC North.

Evidence of such a crime against the Purple can be traced to the social media platform X, where the Detroit Lions on Tap account minimized Minnesota's successful season, exclaiming with obvious sarcasm "Great job" after pointing out the Vikings' modest strength of victory statistic.

With two games to go, here's what the Lions need to have happen to clinch the NFC's No. 1 seed and secure a first-round bye.

A late 39-yard touchdown from Sam Darnold to Justin Jefferson lifted the Vikings to their eighth straight win.

After dismantling the Bears 30-12 on Monday night, the Vikings are 12-2, tied with the Lions and Eagles for the best record in the NFC.

The Detroit Lions picked up their 13th win Sunday, the most in franchise history, with a 34-17 win over the Chicago Bears in Week 16.

A Christmas wish list for the Detroit Lions: what we want Santa to bring our football team this holiday season