The NFL has announced that the final regular season game of the 2024 season will be between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, January 5. This matchup has been flexed to “Sunday Night Football” for Week 18, making it a crucial game for determining both the NFC North champion and the conference’s No. 1 seed.
The winner of this game will earn a first-round bye in the playoffs, regardless of the outcome of the Lions’ next game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. This is the second time in three years that the Lions have been part of the final regular season game, with their last appearance coming in 2022.
For the Lions, this game holds significant importance as they aim to secure the No. 1 seed for the first time in the Super Bowl era. With several players still recovering from injuries, a bye week would be a valuable asset in the playoffs. Running back David Montgomery is targeting a return in the divisional round, and a bye week could mean he’ll be ready to play.
The Lions have had success in primetime games this season, currently holding a 4-0 record in these matchups. This game will mark their third appearance on “Sunday Night Football” and sixth primetime game of the season. The matchup between the Vikings (14-2) and Lions (13-2) is set to take place at Ford Field in Detroit, with kickoff scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET.
Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/12/29/24331817/nfl-week-18-schedule-lions-vikings-flexed-sunday-night-football-time-date