The playoff aspirations of the Detroit Lions have dimmed considerably following a troubling two-game losing streak, while the Minnesota Vikings are grappling with significant quarterback challenges. As the NFL season progresses, both teams find themselves in precarious positions, with the Lions needing several outcomes to reclaim their playoff hopes.
The Lions, who have won the NFC North in the past two seasons, can no longer secure the division title. With their recent defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, they have fallen to a 3% chance of reaching the postseason. To keep their hopes alive, they must defeat the Vikings on December 25, 2023, and win against the Chicago Bears in the following week, while also relying on Green Bay to lose its last two games.
Reflecting on the team’s current mindset, quarterback Jared Goff acknowledged the pressure, stating, “We haven’t had that feeling. It’s creeping in on us now. We’ve got to find a way.” This marks a significant shift from last season, where the Lions achieved a franchise-record 15 wins and reached the NFC Championship Game.
In contrast, the Vikings face their own set of difficulties as they prepare for their Christmas Day matchup. Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is set to make his second start at quarterback, stepping in for J.J. McCarthy, who is sidelined with a hairline fracture in his throwing hand. Brosmer’s first start against the Seattle Seahawks was challenging; he threw four interceptions in a 26-0 loss, marking the Vikings’ first shutout in 18 years.
This time, Brosmer will benefit from playing at home against a less formidable defense. He expressed his determination, saying, “My dream for a long time has been to play in the NFL, and for me mentally to define myself by one game wouldn’t be fair to the younger me watching.”
The Lions’ defense, meanwhile, has been significantly impacted by injuries. With three starters, including star safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, on injured reserve, their performance has faltered. The defense allowed three touchdowns of 45 yards or more in their recent loss, further complicating their playoff aspirations.
Adding to Detroit’s woes, the rushing attack that had been a cornerstone of their success in previous seasons has underperformed. The offensive line has struggled following the departure of two key starters, resulting in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery failing to replicate their past productivity. In their latest game, the Lions managed a mere 15 rushing yards, their lowest total since 2016. Coach Dan Campbell remarked, “It’s very difficult to control anything if you can’t control the run game.”
The Lions once boasted a remarkable streak of 15 consecutive wins following a loss, tying with Denver and Baltimore for the longest such record in the league. However, after their recent defeats, this marks the first time they have dropped back-to-back games since early in the 2022 season.
The Vikings, who had seven players selected for the Pro Bowl last season, now find themselves without any Pro Bowl selections. This is only the third instance in franchise history that has occurred, highlighting the team’s struggles as they transitioned from a successful 14-win campaign.
As the Lions and Vikings head into their pivotal matchup on Christmas Day, the outcome will not only affect their respective playoff trajectories but also serve as a testament to how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL.
