The Lions have had the best season in franchise history, but that hasn’t been enough to secure the NFC North title — yet.
The Vikings have also had an impressive year. The two teams share the same record, so the division will be decided in the final week.
Entering Week 17, the Vikings were set to host the Packers with the Lions traveling to San Francisco, as each team controls its own destiny. Minnesota beat Green Bay on Sunday, keeping their hopes of winning the division alive.
Although the result of the matchup didn’t affect the divisional race, the Lions did the same, beating the 49ers on Monday night.
With the Eagles loss last week, the NFC North champion is in pole position to earn home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Here is where the Lions stand heading into the final week of the season.
Lions playoff picture
NFC North standings
| Position | Team | Record |
| 1 | Detroit Lions | 14-2 |
| 2 | Minnesota Vikings | 14-2 |
| 3 | Green Bay Packers | 11-5 |
| 4 | Chicago Bears | 4-12 |
The Vikings win meant they temporarily jumped the Lions for first place in the NFC North, but the Lions took it right back with a win on Monday. While Detroit and Minnesota both have two losses, the Lions own the tiebreaker after beating the Vikings earlier this season.
In Week 18, Detroit and Minnesota will meet for what will definitely decide the division.
Despite clinching a playoff spot last week, the Packers are in third place in the division and cannot win the division. Finally, the Bears are out of the playoff picture at 4-12 and in last place.
NFC wild-card standings
| Position | Team | Record |
| 1 | Detroit Lions | 14-2 |
| 2 | Philadelphia Eagles | 12-3 |
| 3 | Los Angeles Rams | 10-6 |
| 4 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 9-7 |
| 5 | Minnesota Vikings | 14-2 |
| 6 | Washington Commanders | 11-5 |
| 7 | Green Bay Packers | 11-5 |
The Vikings win over the Packers meant they held the top spot in the conference for a moment, but the Lions overtook them with a win over the 49ers. Since the Eagles lost in Week 16, that means the NFC North champion will also secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.
The NFC North winner will be decided next week when Detroit hosts Minnesota to close out the season. The winner will also earn home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs, while the loser will become the No. 5 seed.
Lions remaining schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Jan. 5 | vs. Minnesota Vikings | 8:15 p.m. |
The Lions will host the Vikings in the final game of the regular season in a matchup that will decide who wins the division.
Lions updated playoff chances
Entering Week 17, ESPN’s Football Power Index gave the Lions a 77.1 percent chance of winning the division.
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