The Detroit Lions are preparing for what is being dubbed as one of the most significant regular-season games in recent memory.
In Week 18, Detroit faces off against Minnesota, with both the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs on the line. With identical 14-2 records, this game pits two of the league’s top teams against each other, making the stakes incredibly high.
Despite holding the two best records in the NFC, the losing team will have to play on the road in the Wild Card Round, while the winner secures a first-round bye.
Here’s a breakdown of the final weekend of the regular season, including what’s at stake and potential playoff paths for Detroit.
What’s at stake
While the NFC North title is up for grabs on Sunday, the NFC South also remains undecided. However, the NFC South champion will not be determined by a direct matchup this weekend.
Tampa Bay clinches the NFC South with either a win or a tie against the New Orleans Saints, or if the Atlanta Falcons lose to the Carolina Panthers. If the Buccaneers lose and the Falcons win, Atlanta will take the division title and the fourth seed.
The Falcons hold the tiebreaker over the Buccaneers, and in such a scenario, both teams would finish with matching 9-8 records.
With a loss, the Rams would finish 10-7, preventing the Falcons from surpassing them as the No. 3 seed. However, Tampa Bay could still take the No. 3 spot due to their superior conference record.
The only other playoff positions still undecided in the NFC are the last two seeds, with Washington and Green Bay both sitting at 11-5 records. Washington holds the tiebreaker based on conference performance, meaning they would earn the No. 6 seed if both teams win or lose.
If Washington loses and Green Bay wins, the Packers would secure the No. 6 seed, and the Commanders would drop to No. 7.
Scenario 1: First-round bye
How this happens: If the Lions win or tie, they clinch a first-round bye and home-field advantage. In this scenario, Detroit could face any of the Rams, Buccaneers, Falcons, Vikings, Commanders, or Packers in the Divisional Round.
Playoff seeding: 1.) Lions
2.) Eagles
3.) Rams/Buccaneers
4.) Rams/Buccaneers/Falcons
5.) Vikings
6.) Commanders/Packers
7.) Commanders/Packers
Scenario 2: Rematch with Stafford, Rams
How this happens: If Detroit loses to Minnesota, Tampa Bay defeats New Orleans, and Seattle beats Los Angeles, the Lions will face the Rams in the Wild Card Round for the second year in a row.
Playoff seeding:
1.) Vikings
2.) Eagles
3.) Buccaneers
4.) Rams
5.) Lions
6.) Commanders/Packers
7.) Commanders/Packers
Scenario 3: Chance at payback against Buccaneers
How this happens: One of Detroit’s two losses this season came at the hands of Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. If the Lions lose to Minnesota, Los Angeles defeats Seattle, and either Tampa Bay beats the Saints or Atlanta loses to the Panthers, Detroit will meet the Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round, seeking revenge for last year’s Divisional Round loss.
Playoff seeding:
1.) Vikings
2.) Eagles
3.) Rams
4.) Buccaneers
5.) Lions
6.) Commanders/Packers
7.) Commanders/Packers
Scenario 4: Trip to Atlanta
How this happens: If the Falcons defeat the Panthers and the Buccaneers lose to the Saints, Atlanta will win the NFC South and claim the No. 4 seed. In this case, the Lions would face the Falcons in the Wild Card Round if they lose to the Vikings.
Playoff seeding:
1.) Vikings
2.) Eagles
3.) Rams
4.) Falcons
5.) Lions
6.) Commanders/Packers
7.) Commanders/Packers
