Detroit Lions playoff scenarios: How they earn the top seed, NFC North banner
In his first complete game of the season, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell commended the efforts of Ifeatu Melifonwu, Amik Robinson, and Jameson Williams after the team’s recent victory in Chicago. Additionally, he focused on Detroit’s rematch of the NFC Conference title game against the San Francisco 49ers.
-
-
The Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings are on a collision course for the top seed in the playoffs and the NFC North banner
-
While the Lions still control their own destiny, it may require beating one of the best teams in the league to earn the playoff bye
-
There are four scenarios that could play out next week that could change the significance of the last game of the season
-
-
The Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings are on a collision course for the top seed in the playoffs and the NFC North banner
-
While the Lions still control their own destiny, it may require beating one of the best teams in the league to earn the playoff bye
-
There are four scenarios that could play out next week that could change the significance of the last game of the season
(FOX 2):Though the Detroit Lions still have control over their own fate in their quest for the first-round bye, winning the final game of the season might be necessary to secure the top seed in the NFC, which became much more competitive at the end of Sunday this past weekend.
That’s because the Minnesota Vikings, who are also vying for the division title, are the Lions’ fiercest rival in their quest.
With so much at stake, it seems like both teams are headed for a collision with each victory. Both won their games on Sunday, giving them a 13-2 record.
Even while this season was formally hailed as the team’s greatest ever, the Vikings have had their own incredible run. The NFC North title and the top seed will be decided at Ford Field if both teams win their game next week.
These are the possible outcomes for next week’s game and their implications for the season finale.
In addition to discussing the team’s phony fumble against the Bears, Jared Goff talks about his friendship with Jameson Williams.
Scenario 1: Lions over 49ers, Vikings over Packers
Next weekend, Minnesota welcomes Green Bay, while Detroit travels to San Francisco. Both teams will share the conference’s best record if they both win.
That would imply that on January 5 in Detroit, both clubs would compete for the division title and the top seed in the playoffs. Detroit would have an undefeated streak against divisional opponents and the best record at 15-2 if they prevailed.
However, a victory would keep Minnesota ahead of Detroit by one game, which would be a victory for both teams. In that case, the Vikings and Lions would tie in the division and split the series this season. However, a further defeat renders all other tiebreakers useless.
Scenario 2: Lions over 49ers, Vikings lose to Packers
If the Lions win and the Vikings lose the next week, a lot of the drama that has been developing at the end of the season would lose some of its appeal.
In the event if Minnesota defeats the Lions at Ford Field, that would guarantee Detroit a one-game lead going into the last game of the season, meaning the best Minnesota could do is tie the Lions.
However, Detroit would win the tiebreaker since they have a better record against the opposition than both clubs have faced. Fans must go all the way back to the season’s opening game, in which the Lions defeated the Los Angeles Rams in overtime, to understand why.
The Rams were Minnesota’s only other opponent this season, aside from their two-point loss to Detroit.
Scenario 3: Lions lose to 49ers, Vikings over Packers
It would still come down to the final game of the season if the reverse outcomes occurred, with Minnesota winning and Detroit losing the game the following week.
This is due to the fact that with two victories over the Vikings this season, Detroit would obtain the tie-breaker and have the same record as Minnesota.
The math is a little simpler to understand if Minnesota wins because the Vikings would lead Detroit by two games.
Scenario 4: Lions lose to 49ers, Vikings lose to Packers
It would still come down to the season’s last game if both teams lose the following week, just like in the first scenario where both teams win, but with a catch.
The Philadelphia Eagles lost this weekend, dropping them one game behind both the Vikings and the Lions. The Eagles would receive the top seed in the playoffs if they win the season finale and Detroit loses to Minnesota, while Minnesota would receive the second seed and the NFC North title.
That’s because of a better win percentage in common games – tracking back to their victory over the Rams.
If that happened, Detroit would end up as the fifth seed in the playoffs.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!