The Vikings need a lot of help to get into the playoffs. They won’t be getting any from the Detroit Lions.
Lions coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Monday that he does not intend to rest any starters when the Vikings travel to Detroit on Sunday. Kickoff is set for noon.
There was thought that the Lions, who already clinched the NFC North and have very little chance of moving up to the NFC’s No. 2 playoff seed from No. 3, would rest their starters for the season finale as they gear up for the playoffs.
But after a frustrating and controversial loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, it appears Campbell’s Lions might be more fired up than ever.
“I’ve got controlled fury, and I’m ready to go,” Campbell said. “I am absolutely ready to go, I don’t go the other way, the team won’t either. We’re on a mission and we’re not going to feel sorry for ourselves and wallow in everything. … We will use this as fuel, I got pure octane right now. I woke up, I’m ready.”
Controlled fury 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gKiLKGB4mT
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 1, 2024
What little playoff hope the Vikings have left first requires a win in Detroit. They also need a lot of help from the rest of the league. Here’s their path to the playoffs:
- Vikings beat Lions in Detroit
- Chicago Bears beat Packers in Green Bay
- Arizona Cardinals beat Seattle Seahawks at home
- New Orleans Saints lose at home to Atlanta Falcons AND/OR Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose to Carolina Panthers in Charlotte
So, there is still a chance if all of that happens, but a fired-up Lions team certainly won’t be making things any easier for the Vikings.
