The Detroit Lions may no longer be able to win the NFC North after claiming the division in each of the past two seasons, but their playoff hopes are not completely extinguished.

While the Minnesota Vikings were eliminated from postseason contention before taking the field two weeks ago, Detroit still has a narrow but realistic path back to the playoffs as the regular season winds down.

NFC North Turnaround Highlights How Fast the NFL Changes

Just one season ago, the Lions and Vikings combined for 29 wins and were among the NFC’s elite. That success now feels like a distant memory, underscoring how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL from one year to the next.

The matchup was originally seen as a marquee Christmas Day showdown, featuring explosive offenses and star power. However, with both teams struggling, some Netflix viewers may prioritize holiday movies instead, especially with the earlier Cowboys–Commanders game also featuring two eliminated teams.

Lions Still Control Their Playoff Path — With Help

Detroit (8-7) still has a chance to reach the postseason, but it will require help from around the league.

The Lions’ playoff scenario is straightforward:

Defeat the Vikings on Thursday

Beat the Chicago Bears in Week 18

Have the Green Bay Packers lose their final two games (vs. Baltimore and at Minnesota)

After reaching the NFC Championship Game in the 2023 season and setting a franchise record with 15 wins last year, Detroit now finds itself reeling after a home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers — their first two-game losing streak in more than three years.

“We haven’t had that feeling. It’s creeping in on us now,” quarterback Jared Goff said. “We’ve got to find a way.”

Vikings Turn Back to Max Brosmer at Quarterback

The Vikings (7-8) will again turn to undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer, who is making just his second career start in a turbulent season.

Brosmer’s first start came on Nov. 30 against Seattle, one of the NFL’s top defenses. With J.J. McCarthy sidelined by a concussion and Carson Wentz out for the season after shoulder surgery, Brosmer struggled mightily, throwing four interceptions in a 26-0 loss — Minnesota’s first shutout defeat in 18 years.

This week presents a more favorable opportunity. McCarthy remains unavailable due to a hairline fracture in his throwing hand, but Brosmer will play at home against a Lions defense that has been battered by injuries.

“My dream for a long time has been to play in the NFL,” Brosmer said. “To define myself by one game wouldn’t be fair.”

Injuries Have Crippled the Lions’ Defense

Detroit’s defense has unraveled, particularly in the secondary. With three starters on injured reserve — including star safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph — the unit allowed three separate 45-yard touchdowns to Pittsburgh last week.

Brosmer, meanwhile, showed improvement after replacing McCarthy in the second half against the New York Giants, helping the Vikings secure their third straight win without committing turnovers.

“It’s all about finding little ways to improve,” Brosmer said. “It’s a good feeling to see the fruits of your labor.”

Lions’ Run Game Continues to Decline

Detroit’s once-dominant rushing attack has been a major concern throughout the season. The offensive line lost two starters from last year and hasn’t been adequately reinforced, while injuries have forced constant lineup changes.

As a result, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery haven’t produced at the same level, limiting the effectiveness of Detroit’s play-action passing game.

Last week, the Lions recorded just 15 rushing yards, their lowest total since 2016. Detroit is now 0-6 this season when failing to reach 100 rushing yards, including an earlier loss to Minnesota.

“It’s very difficult to control anything if you can’t control the run game,” head coach Dan Campbell said.

Detroit Faces Its First True Losing Streak in Years

Before last week, the Lions had won 15 straight games following a loss, tying historic streaks set by the Broncos (1984–88) and Ravens (2009–12). That run ended with their late comeback falling short against the Steelers.

This marks Detroit’s first back-to-back losses since a 1-6 start in 2022 during Campbell’s second season.

Vikings’ Star Power Has Vanished

The Vikings were one of only three NFL teams without a single Pro Bowl selection this season — just the third time in franchise history that has occurred (1983, 2014).

The contrast is striking, as Minnesota sent seven players to the Pro Bowl while winning 14 games just last season.