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.

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.

The Detroit Lions watched Washington beat Philadelphia following a bounce-back win at Chicago that helped them keep pace with Minnesota in the race for the NFC North title and the top seeding in the conference.

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.

The Detroit Lions are a win and one Minnesota Vikings loss vs. Seattle or Green Bay from clinching the top NFC playoff seed and NFC North.

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.

Both the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings won in Week 15, creating a tie atop the NFC as all three teams have 12-2 records. As it stands, Detroit currently holds the advantage over both teams. The Lions have a better record in the NFC than the Eagles, while they have the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Vikings.

FOX Sports' NFL experts tackle several topics, including what's next for the ailing Lions, resurgent Sam Darnold and wily Bill Belichick.

The end of Philly's 10-game winning streak shakes up Bucky Brooks' rankings. The Chiefs are back on top, with the Vikings and Bills lurking.

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