Image of the NFC playoffs: Deciding the number 1 seed in the final of the Lions and Vikings

As we’ve seen week after week, the Detroit Lions didn’t get the help they wanted from the results of other games, and that means it’s up to them to clinch the NFC North crown and the first-round bye to secure your own.

With the Minnesota Vikings’ win over the Green Bay Packers, the NFC North and No. 1 seed in the NFC are on the line next week when the Lions take on the Vikings at Ford Field. Here’s a look at the updated NFC playoff picture, with Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football still to come in Week 17.

NFC playoff rankings

1. Vikings: 14-2
2. Eagles: 13-3 – Won NFC East, No. 2 seed
3. Rams: 10-6

4. Buccaneers: 9-7

5. Lions: 13-2 – Playoff spot secured
6. Packers: 11-5 – Playoff spot secured
7. Commanders: 10-5

On the hunt:

8. Seahawks: 9-7
9. Falcons: 8-7

Why are the Vikings number 1?

Well, because they have the best record at this very moment (14-2 vs. 13-2). If the Lions beat the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, Detroit will drop back to No. 1 last week as they are in a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Vikings.

Does Lions vs. 49ers still matter?

No not really. If the Lions beat the Vikings in Week 18, they will win the NFC North and the No. 1 seed regardless of what happens against the 49ers.

The 49ers game will only matter if the Lions and Vikings tie in Week 18. For example:

• The Lions lose to the 49ers
• Lions bind Vikings
• The Lions finish 13-3-1, the Vikings 14-2-1 – Vikings win the NFC North, Lions move up to 5th place

OR

• The Lions beat the 49ers
• Lions bind Vikings
• Lions and Vikings both finish 14-2-1 – Lions win NFC North and are seeded 1st based on direct tiebreaker

Will Lions vs. Vikings move to “Sunday Night Football”?

Almost certainly, yes. The only other game that appears to have a lot on the line in Week 18 is Rams vs. Seahawks. However, if the Commanders or 49ers win on Sunday night and Monday night, respectively, the Rams will win the NFC West and the Week 18 game won’t matter. Bengals vs. Steelers is another possible play, but Cincinnati needs a few more results from Week 18 to go in its favor and have any chance at the postseason.

Despite all of this, the NFL won’t pass up the chance to see two extremely entertaining teams with more than 13 wins fight for the No. 1 seed.

So get some sleep. We’ll stay up late next week.