The Detroit Lions will get a mini bye week of sorts to rest and heal up after Thursday night's thrilling 34-31 win over Green Bay. The break comes at just the right time for the Lions as they've been dealing with injuries. The hope is having 10 days before hosting Buffalo Dec. 15 will allow a number of starters to return to the field.
The following is a breakdown of Detroit's final four-game stretch to close out the regular season:
Week 15 vs. Buffalo
Some are billing this as a possible Super Bowl preview in Detroit. The Lions are the top team in the NFC after 13 games (12-1) and some would argue the Bills (10-2) are the best team in the AFC. The Chiefs only have one loss on the season, but that was to Buffalo.
Twentyman: The Bills own a top five offense and top 10 defense in points per game heading into their Week 14 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. They will be the most complete team the Lions have faced all season with MVP candidate Josh Allen at quarterback.
Week 16 at Chicago
The Bears gave Detroit all they could handle on Thanksgiving in a 23-20 Lions victory at home. Had the Bears not let the clock run out in the final minute, who knows how that game ends. Now Detroit heads to Chicago, where weather could play a big factor in late December.
Twentyman: This will be the first time the Lions face the Bears under interim head coach Thomas Brown, who by most accounts has made a positive impression on players in his first week on the job. Just how different will the Bears look under Brown than the team Detroit faced just a month prior?
Week 17 at San Francisco
It's a Monday Night Football rematch of last year's NFC Championship Game. The schedule makers were probably excited to get this one on primetime late in the season, but injuries have a way of ruining a good plan sometimes.
Twentyman: If there's any team that knows what the Lions are going through on the injury front, it's the 49ers. They've been decimated this season and currently sit at 5-7 and in last place in the NFC West. They've had 30 players miss more than 120 games combined according to one report and they aren't expected to have All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey for the rest of the season after he injured the PCL in his knee in a 35-10 loss to Buffalo Week 13. The 49ers could be fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive in this one.
View photos from the Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers Week 14 game at Ford Field on Thursday, December 5 in Detroit, Michigan.
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
A Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee decal on the helmet of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Kwon Alexander (10) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) and Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87), Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Pat O'Connor (95) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69), Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Pat O'Connor (95) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Jonah Williams (78) celebrate after a sack during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70), and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks off during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70), Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Jonah Williams (78), Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53), Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43), and Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) celebrate after a fumble recovery during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Third Down Town during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43) recovers a fumble during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43) recovers a fumble during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), and Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Kwon Alexander (10) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70), and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Jonah Williams (78), Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32), and Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks off during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), and Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions fans do the wave during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50), Detroit Lions linebacker Kwon Alexander (10), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Brodric Martin (96), Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46), and Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), and Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) celebrates with Detroit Lions fans after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43), Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23), and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Jamal Adams (25) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) and Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69), Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), and Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) and Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3), Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) celebrate after a game-winning field goal during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39), Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) celebrate after a game-winning field goal during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3), Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) celebrate after a game-winning field goal during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks a field goal during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87), Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Jamal Adams (25), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), Detroit Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson (8), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43), Detroit Lions defensive back Jamal Adams (25), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), Detroit Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson (8), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32), Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, and Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) celebrate after a game-winning field goal during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Week 18 vs. Minnesota
The Minnesota Vikings just keep winning and in doing so keep applying pressure to the Detroit Lions in the NFC North as they sit a game and a half behind at 10-2 heading into their Week 14 matchup vs. Atlanta.
Twentyman: What a monster matchup this could end up being for all the marbles in the NFC North the final week of the regular season. The Lions had a come-from-behind win in Minnesota Week 7. This is a Vikings team, much like Detroit, that plays complementary football and finds multiple ways to win football games. In addition to the NFC North title, the No. 1 seed could also be on the line in this one depending on what happens Weeks 15-17.
