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.

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.

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.

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

Sam Darnold was not at his best, but Minnesota rode its ground game to victory and pulled even with Detroit at 12-2.

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.

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.

After the Vikings swept past the Bears on Monday night, bringing their record to 12-2 on the season and drawing even with the Lions at the top of the NFC North, former All-Pro running back Maurice Jones-Drew is putting Minnesota as the favorite to win the division.

One of the top receivers in the NFL will be on display when Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the Seattle Seahawks visit the Chicago Bears on Thursday, 6, 2024.The Seahawks enter this matchup after

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell makes a bold roster move, cutting former Dolphins linebacker David Long as the team pushes for a historic Super Bowl run.