After losing the first regular-season game in league history pitting teams with a combined 28 victories, the Vikings (14-3) hit the road for wild-card weekend, visiting the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams (10-7) on Monday night as the most accomplished fifth seed in NFL history.

Home games against the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburg Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers highlight the Lions' 2025 schedule. In addition to hosting NFC North rivals Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, the Lions will welcome in the Cowboys, Buccaneers (NFC South champions), Steelers, New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.

And yet, the idea of Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett, and Tanner McKee all technically having a chance to earn the start in Week 19 makes things very tricky indeed, with fans holding their breath to see the final injury report before they can release their white knuckle grasp on life and get down to preparing their tailgating fare.

With the playoff field nearly set ahead of a colossal Vikings-Lions finale, three execs see the top of the NFC three different ways.

The Lions will take Wednesday off, practice Thursday, then take the weekend off before returning to prepare for the first playoff game next week.

The schedule is brutal and could be among the toughest in NFL history. Nick Sirianni’s team will face the Chiefs, Vikings, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, and Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers on the road. They’ll host Detroit and Denver while getting a close-up look at Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears.

The Detroit Lions are the favorites to win Super Bowl 2025 entering NFL playoffs after a huge win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18.

Ford Field has turned into one of, if not the NFL's most electric environments. The Lions won two home playoff games last year, and if they do that again they'll be playing for a Super Bowl.

How the Detroit Lions could play Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings or Los Angeles Rams in NFL playoffs divisional round.