The NFL picks the Vikings-Lions for Week 18 on Sunday night

Since 1961, the Vikings and Lions have played twice a year every year – except for the strike-shortened 1982 season, in which they faced each other only once – and have met 126 times. Their 127th meeting will be the largest yet.

The NFL has announced that the 2024 regular season will end next Sunday night with the 14-2 Vikings visiting the 14-2 or 13-3 Lions for all the NFC marbles. The winner will be number 1. The loser will be number 5.

Earlier this year, Detroit won 31-29 in Minnesota. After the Vikings failed to convert a three-and-four that would have iced the game, the Lions scored the game-winning field goal.

Even if Detroit loses to the 49ers on Monday night, a win over the Vikings would result in a 14-3 tie, with the Lions winning the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The Lions entered the game as 2.5-point favorites.

It is the first time in NFL history that two teams with 13 or more wins will meet in the regular season. The result gives the winner a bye and home field advantage if there is a postseason rematch.

If that happens, it would be the first time the Vikings and Lions meet in the postseason.

It all begins next Sunday night in Detroit at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.