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NFC North standings: With Lions loss, can Vikings take first place?

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Published  December 15, 2024 8:24pm CST
Minnesota Vikings
FOX 9
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Jalen Nailor #83 of the Minnesota Vikings catches a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

The Brief

    • The Detroit Lions remain in first place in the NFC and NFC North, even after a loss versus the Buffalo Bills.
    • Even if Minnesota wins on Monday, the Lions will still be the top seed.
    • The Vikings-Lions Week 18 matchup could decide the division and even possibly the conference.

(FOX 9) - The Detroit Lions suffered their second loss of the season on Sunday, losing in a shootout to the Buffalo Bills.

NFC North division standings

What we know: The Lions still sit atop the NFC North with a 12-2 record. The Minnesota Vikings are in second place at 11-2 but can move to 12-2 if they win on Monday Night Football versus the Bears.

Context: But even if the Vikings win Monday night, the Lions will still retain control of the NFC North because of their head-to-head record. The Lions beat the Vikings in Week 7 in Minneapolis, with Detroit eeking past Minnesota, 31-29.

What's next?: Control of the division could come down to the final Week 18 matchup between the Lions and Vikings in Detroit.

NFC conference standings

Big picture: The Lions are also still the top seed in the NFC, despite the loss and the Philadelphia Eagles win on Sunday.

Both teams are 12-2, but the Lions hold the tiebreaker with the Eagles due to their conference record. 

The top team in each conference earns a bye in the Wildcard Round of the playoffs.

What's next?: The Vikings could clinch a playoff spot on Sunday, if the Packers defeat the Seahawks on Sunday night football.

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