This weekend could set the stage for NFL history to be made in the final week of the regular season. It’s rare we see three teams from one division even make the playoffs, let alone in such convincing fashion as we’ve seen from the NFC North this year. The Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers have all clinched playoff spots already. The teams are now competing for which seeding order they will contend in.
If the Vikings and Lions both secure wins this weekend, it will set the stage for their head to head matchup next week to be a winner take all game. Not just winning the crown of the NFC North but also the number one seed for the NFC giving them a first round bye in the playoffs and ensuring all roads lead through them.
Minnesota Vikings Chasing NFL History
The Minnesota Vikings are one of the few NFL franchises that has never hoisted the Lombardi Trophy despite appearing in multiple Super Bowls. This didn’t seem likely to change in the 2024 season looking to be a rebuilding year when Minnesota selected quarterback JJ McCarthy out of Michigan in the NFL Draft. Following McCarthy’s pre-season injury, after thought Sam Darnold stepped in taking the wheel. Turning his career around in the most drastic way imaginable. This time last year, Darnold was thought of as just another first round bust, now discussions have begun about Minnesota maybe needing to resign the former USC signal caller to a longer extension.
History starts this week for the Vikings, if they are to beat the Green Bay Packers that would be their ninth win in a row. Tying the longest in season streak for the franchise since 1975. Those were the times of the famous Purple People Eaters and the team led by Fran Tarkenton at QB. It’s incredible to see the resemblance between those historic Vikings teams and the one playing this year.
Detroit Lions Try To Stay On Top
The Detroit Lions have been one of the most dominant teams of the 2024 season, but injuries have absolutely annihilated their defense. The injuries may be catching up to Detroit at the worst possible time heading into the playoffs where they hope to finally reach a Super Bowl.
Regardless of them winning or losing the potential winner take all matchup with the Vikings, history will be made in Week 18. It will mark the first time in NFL history that a 14-win team didn’t win their division and had to be a wild card team. It will be an entertaining watch next week if both teams happen to secure wins this week setting up potentially one of the biggest games of the regular season.
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