As I’m sure you’re aware by now, the Detroit Lions could clinch the NFC No. 1 seed by Monday night. The scenario is simple: first, they need the Green Bay Packers to defeat the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon (4:25 p.m. ET on FOX — nationally televised). Then the Lions need to defeat the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football.” That’s it.
Any other outcome, and both the NFC North and the No. 1 seed will be decided in Week 18 when the Lions take on the Vikings.
Detroit has taken care of business all year, but in a high-competitive division, they have not gotten very much help from other outcomes.