After their victory over the Bears on Sunday, the Detroit Lions improved to a 13-2 record for the season, marking the most wins in any single season in franchise history. Despite this achievement, they still have work ahead to secure the top seed in the NFC and home-field advantage for the postseason.
The Lions currently lead the Eagles by one game and are tied with the Vikings as they head into the final two weeks of the season. If the Lions win one more game, they will finish above Philadelphia, as they hold the tiebreaker over them.
The situation with Minnesota is more complex. If the Lions defeat the 49ers and the Vikings lose to the Packers in Week 17, Detroit will clinch the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed. If both teams win, a winner-takes-all game will be set for Week 18.
What adds an interesting twist is that the Vikings play a day before the Lions this week. The Vikings host the Packers on Sunday, and if they win, the Lions’ game against the 49ers on Monday becomes less critical. In that scenario, Detroit could rest its starters, lose to the 49ers, and still secure the top seed if they defeat the Vikings in Week 18, as they would have the tiebreaker after sweeping the season series.
However, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has made it clear that he plans to keep his starters in the game. On Tuesday, he stated that even if the Vikings beat the Packers the day before, he would not rest his players and emphasized, “We are bringing everything we’ve got to this game.”
Lions Update: Dan Campbell Declines to Rest Starters for Week 17
If the Vikings beat the Packers in Week 17 — before Detroit’s MNF game vs. the 49ers — the Lions can’t clinch the division or the No. 1 seed until they play Minnesota in Week 18.
Don’t expect Dan Campbell to rest his starters.
“We’re bringing everything we’ve got to this game.” pic.twitter.com/VgJo9otoDz
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) December 23, 2024
For those familiar with Campbell, this decision comes as no surprise. Known for his unmatched intensity, Campbell is the last coach in the NFL who would consider easing up on his team.
That said, the Lions could benefit from some additional rest, as they have faced numerous injuries, particularly on defense.
Given this, taking the week off and focusing on the Vikings game might be a strategic move, assuming there’s little to play for against San Francisco. Whether Campbell will reconsider remains to be seen, but it’s undoubtedly a compelling coaching choice.
