The Minnesota Vikings have taken control of their destiny in the NFC North after the Detroit Lions’ 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. With the win, the Vikings can now tie the Lions at 12-2 with a victory over the Chicago Bears on Monday night and potentially claim the division title.
A loss for the Vikings would still be unlikely, given their upcoming schedule featuring tough games against Seattle and Green Bay. However, this new development has increased the likelihood of a Week 18 meeting between the two teams for the division crown.
While the Lions remain favored to win the NFC North, the Vikings are now in the mix. A scenario where they lose to either the Seahawks or Packers and the Lions lose to the 49ers in Week 17 could set up a winner-take-all game in Detroit.
To stay alive in the division race, the Vikings will need to go at least 2-1 over their next three games. Their pursuit of the NFC North title must start with a home win over the Bears on Monday night.
The Lions’ loss has also highlighted concerns about their defense, which may be missing DT Alim McNeill and CB Carlton Davis III for the season due to injuries.
A Week 18 showdown between the two teams is now more likely, but it’s too early to say whether the Vikings will emerge victorious or fall short of claiming the division title.
Source: https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/lions-loss-to-bills-means-vikings-control-their-destiny-in-nfc-north-01jf6dxc72g7