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 two weeks.
Entering Week 17, the Vikings host the Packers and the Lions travel to San Francisco, with each team controlling their own destiny. Since the Lions play the 49ers Monday night, they will know their NFC North status ahead of the matchup in San Francisco.
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 two weeks of the season.
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Lions playoff picture
NFC North standings
| Position | Team | Record |
| 1 | Detroit Lions | 13-2 |
| 2 | Minnesota Vikings | 13-2 |
| 3 | Green Bay Packers | 11-4 |
| 4 | Chicago Bears | 4-12 |
The Lions remain in first place in the NFC North, but the Vikings are right behind them in second place. While Detroit and Minnesota share the same record, the Lions own the tiebreaker after beating the Vikings earlier this season.
In Week 18, Detroit and Minnesota will meet for what could 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 | 13-2 |
| 2 | Philadelphia Eagles | 12-3 |
| 3 | Los Angeles Rams | 10-6 |
| 4 | Atlanta Falcons | 8-7 |
| 5 | Minnesota Vikings | 13-2 |
| 6 | Green Bay Packers | 11-4 |
| 7 | Washington Commanders | 10-5 |
While the Lions and Vikings share the best record in the NFC, Detroit’s spot as the NFC North leader also means it currently holds the top spot in the conference. Since the Eagles lost last week, that means the NFC North champion is likely to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.
If Detroit drops to a wild-card spot, it cannot fall any farther than the No. 5 seed in the postseason as the Lions also hold the tiebreaker against the Packers.
The Lions can clinch the NFC North and home-field advantage in the playoffs with the following results:
- A win on Monday night vs. the 49ers AND
- A Vikings loss against the Packers
If either Detroit loses or Minnesota wins, then the two teams will decide the NFC North title when they meet to end the season in Week 18. Additionally, the Lions cannot be eliminated from NFC North contention this week.
MORE: How Eagles loss to Commanders affects NFC No. 1 seed
Lions remaining schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Dec. 30 | at San Francisco 49ers | 8:15 p.m. |
| Jan. 5 | vs. Minnesota Vikings | TBD |
The Lions will host the Vikings in the final game of the regular season in a matchup that could decide who wins the division.
Lions updated playoff chances
ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Lions a 77.1 percent chance of winning the division entering Week 17.
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