Dec 25, 2025
3 min read
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Detroit Lions can't win the NFC North after winning the last two titles.The Minnesota Vikings were eliminated from the playoffs just two weeks ago.
The Lions-Vikings game will lose its luster, but Detroit still has hope of losing.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Detroit Lions can't win the NFC North despite winning the last two titles. The Minnesota Vikings were eliminated from the playoffs two weeks ago.
The 29 wins these division rivals combined for last season is now a distant memory, the latest example of how quickly the tides of NFL teams can change from year to year.
The Lions and Vikings were a natural matchup among the three marquee games to be aired on Christmas Day, with high offense and plenty of star power, but Christmas movies may put this game on the backburner for some Netflix subscribers, given the current state of both teams.Thursday's early game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Chiefs is proving to be an even bigger disappointment, with the two NFC East rivals eliminated from the playoff race.
The Lions at least have a chance to return next season, although they need help to do so.
The plan is "simple": beat Minnesota on Thursday and Chicago next week and Green Bay will lose their final two games, against Baltimore on Saturday and against Minnesota in Week 18.
After clinching the NFC championship for the 2023 season and posting a 15-15 record last season, the Lions (8-7) are struggling after last week's home loss to Pittsburgh, snapping their first two-game losing streak in more than three years.
"We didn't have that feeling. Now it's coming to us," quarterback Jared Guff said."We must find a way."
Vikings return to Brosmer
Rookie Max Brosmer, set to make his second start at quarterback for the Vikings (7-8) this short week, is another unexpected change in an eventful season.
Brosmer made his first career start in Seattle on Nov. 30, with one of the NFL's best defensemen, J. McCarthy, out with a concussion and Carson Wentz a year removed from shoulder surgery.Brosmer threw four interceptions in a 26-0 loss to the Seahawks, the Vikings' first shutout in 18 years.
With McCarthy out with a broken throwing arm this time around, Brosmer will play at home against a more vulnerable defense, taking his valuable experience in Seattle to heart.
The Lions' defense collapsed as three starters were placed on injured reserve, including star running backs Brian Branch and Kirby Joseph.Last week, the Steelers allowed three 45-yard touchdowns, two rushing and one passing.
Lions struggle to control the ball
The running game that fueled Detroit's success the past two seasons has failed this yearThe offensive line lost two 2024 starters, who were not adequately replaced, and injuries have kept team members out of the lineup this season.
Jahmir Gibbs and David Montgomery haven't been nearly as effective as a result, and Goff's catching hasn't been nearly as effective either.
The Lions managed just 15 yards rushing last week, their lowest total since 2016.They are 0-6 this season when they are held to less than 100 yards, including a Nov. 2 loss at home to Minnesota.
"It's very hard to control anything if you can't control the flow of the game," coach Dan Campbell said.
The Lions return to a losing streak
According to Sportradar data, the Lions' streak of 15 straight after losing to Denver (1984-88) and Baltimore (2009-2012) was tied for the league's longest streak until their late comeback last week against Pittsburgh.
It's the first time Detroit has lost back-to-back games since a 1-6 start in 2022 during Campbell's second season.
The stars follow the Vikings
The Vikings were one of three teams that failed to make at least one Pro Bowl appearance, which happened for only the third time in franchise history, after 1983 and 2014. The Vikings honored seven players last season while winning 14 games.
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