What are the Minnesota Vikings talking about ahead of this week's monster matchup in Detroit against the Lions with the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs on the line on Sunday Night Football?
1. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday the Vikings had already started preparing for the Lions with more tape coming Monday night, as the Lions played the 49ers on Monday Night Football.
The Vikings get a one-day head start on the Lions preparing for Sunday night's game in Detroit and they hope that gives them a slight advantage. These are two division opponents who know each other well so the advantage isn't as great as it would be if Detroit was playing a more unfamiliar opponent.
View photos of the starters for the Minnesota Vikings.
Head Coach: Kevin O'Connell
Offensive Coordinator: Wes Phillips
Defensive Coordinator: Brian Flores
Special Teams Coordinator: Matt Daniels
(AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
QB Sam Darnold
Backed up by Nick Mullens and Brett Rypien
(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
RB Aaron Jones Sr.
Backed up by Ty Chandler and Cam Akers
(AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
FB C.J. Ham
(AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
WR Justin Jefferson
Backed up by Jalen Nailor
(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
WR Jordan Addison
Backed up by Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield Sr
(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
TE T.J. Hockenson
Backed up by Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt
(AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
LT Cam Robinson
Backed up by Walter Rouse
(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
LG Blake Brandel
Backed up by Michael Jurgens
(AP Photo/Ben VanHouten)
C Garrett Bradbury
Backed up by Dan Feeney
(AP Photo/Ben VanHouten)
RG Dalton Risner
Backed up by Ed Ingram
(AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
RT Brian O'Neill
Backed up by David Quessenberry
(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
OLB Jonathan Greenard
Backed up by Pat Jones II, Bo Richter and Gabriel Murphy
(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
DL Jerry Tillery
Backed up by Levi Drake Rodriguez
(AP Photo/Ben VanHouten)
DL Harrison Phillips
Backed up by Jalen Redmond
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
DL Jonathan Bullard
(AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
OLB Andrew Van Ginkel
Backed up by Dallas Turner and Jihad Ward
(AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
LB Blake Cashman
Backed up by Kamu Grugier-Hill
(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
LB Ivan Pace Jr.
Backed up by Brian Asamoah II and Jamin Davis
(AP Photo/Stew Milne)
CB Stephon Gilmore
Backed up by Fabian Moreau and Dwight McGlothern
(AP Photo/Ben VanHouten)
CB Byron Murphy Jr.
Backed up by Shaq Griffin
(AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
S Harrison Smith
Backed up by Joshua Metellus and Jay Ward
(AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)
S Camryn Bynum
Backed up by Theo Jackson
(AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
K Will Reichard
(AP Photo/John Froschauer)
P/H Ryan Wright
(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
LS Andrew DePaola
(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
KR Ty Chandler
(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
PR Brandon Powell
(AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
2. Detroit didn't face former Lions and current Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson in the first matchup in Minnesota Week 7 as he was still rehabbing a torn ACL suffered against the Lions last season.
"That's what we play for," Hockenson said of controlling their own destiny for the No. 1 seed and the division title against his old team. "It's going to be a lot of fun.
"You want to play in games like that and it's going to be a big one in Detroit. We're looking forward to it. It's a 1-0 mentality we've had all year. We never looked toward what could be and what could happen. We're just looking forward to Detroit right now and we'll be where our feet are."
Hockenson has 39 receptions for 446 yards (11.4 avg.) in nine games since returning from his knee injury.
"Whenever you play your previous team, you're going to have some excitement," he said. "It's Detroit. I've played there a lot in my career. I know a lot of guys on that side of the ball, so it'll be fun. It'll be an exciting game. I respect that organization, and I respect those people there. It's going to be a good game and a fun game."
3. Detroit has won their last four matchups against the Vikings dating back to 2022. O'Connell was asked if there's been a common theme in those contests. He pointed to turnovers as one reason for their lack of success recently against the Lions, saying Detroit does a good job of taking advantage of other teams' mistakes.
"They are a complete team," he said of Detroit. "They play a physical brand of football. They are going to compete. They are very well coached across the board with AG (Aaron Glenn) and Ben (Johnson) and special teams for that matter.
"I think it's just any self-inflicted things you do against good football teams, it's going to be hard to win. We've had chances to win games against those guys and haven't always been at our full capacity whether it's T.J. (Hockenson) or our quarterback. Being relatively healthy at this point in the season is a big bonus, for sure."
4. Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman knows the importance of Sunday's game in Detroit because a win means everything in the NFC playoffs would have to roll through U.S. Bank Stadium, a place where Minnesota has lost just once this year in a two-point defeat to Detroit.
"I think it's major, he said. "I think playing here like our opponents feel that. We have to take care of next week first but that would give us a great opportunity and I think a leg up on our opponents if we can remain home."
View photos from the Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers Week 17 game at Levi's Stadium on Monday, December 30 in Santa Clara, California.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (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 running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike (91) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (6), Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike (91), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93) and Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) and Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71) and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), and Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), and Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) and Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (41) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) and Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) and Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
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 San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) and Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (6) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks off during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (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 San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), and Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader (98) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (42) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) converts on a two-point conversion during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson (8) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13), and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), and Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson (8) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) and Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (41) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), and Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader (98) and Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (42) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (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 San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ben Niemann (51), Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21), and Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84), Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3), and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93) and Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46), Detroit Lions cornerback Morice Norris (40), Detroit Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor (29), Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53), Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0), Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66), and Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (6) celebrate after an interception during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66) celebrates after a sack during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66) sacks San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader (98), Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46), Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), and Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (6) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike (91) celebrate after a sack during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) and Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) and Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) and Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
5. How much appreciation does O'Connell have for the uniqueness of Sunday night's game as it will be an NFL record for the most wins between two teams (28) in a regular season matchup in league history with so much on the line?
"In the back of our minds, we knew we had to win a lot of games to keep pace with a team that's really been if not the best one of the top two teams in the league for most of the year," he said of Detroit. "We have so much respect for this team. We know we're going to have to play one of best games of the year to go win it. We know exactly what we're signing up for this week to go get it done. It is unique."
6. Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold comes to Detroit playing some of the best football of his career. He has 12 touchdown passes vs. just two interceptions over his last four games – all Vikings wins – and Sunday he surpassed 4,000 passing yards on the season and reached 35 passing touchdowns.
"I'm so happy for Sam," running back Aaron Jones told Vikings.com. "Outside of these walls, nobody really believed in him, nobody really gave him a chance, but he's proven everybody wrong, and I'm just so happy for him."
Darnold was 22-for-27 for 259 yards with one touchdown and one interception for a 103.5 passer rating in a 31-29 loss to Detroit in Minneapolis Week 7.
