The playoff aspirations of the Detroit Lions have dimmed following a two-game losing streak, while the Minnesota Vikings grapple with critical quarterback challenges. With the season nearing its end, both teams find themselves at a crossroads, significantly impacting their chances of postseason success.
After winning the NFC North for the past two seasons, the Lions are now unable to claim the title again this year. In stark contrast, the Vikings have already been eliminated from playoff contention. This drastic shift highlights the volatility of team performance in the NFL, where a combined total of 29 wins last season seems distant as both teams struggle in 2023.
The Lions and Vikings were initially expected to deliver an exciting Christmas Day matchup, showcasing high-scoring offenses and star players. Yet, recent performances have cast doubt on that anticipation. The earlier matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders has also fallen flat, with neither team in playoff contention.
Despite their faltering form, the Lions still have a sliver of hope for the postseason, with odds resting at approximately 3%. Their path involves defeating the Vikings on December 25 and the Chicago Bears the following week, coupled with losses for the Green Bay Packers in their last two games. The Lions’ recent performance, which included a disappointing home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, has raised concerns among players and fans alike.
“We haven’t had that feeling. It’s creeping in on us now,” said Lions quarterback Jared Goff. “We’ve got to find a way.”
Meanwhile, the Vikings are set to start undrafted rookie Max Brosmer for the second time. Brosmer faced a challenging debut against a formidable Seattle Seahawks defense on November 30, where he threw four interceptions in a 26-0 shutout loss. With the absence of starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy due to a concussion and Carson Wentz out for the season following shoulder surgery, Brosmer has been thrust into a difficult situation. This time, he will face a more lenient defense at home.
“My dream for a long time has been to play in the NFL, and for me mentally to define myself by one game wouldn’t be fair to the younger me watching me play football in the NFL,” Brosmer stated, demonstrating his determination to improve.
The Lions’ defense has also faced significant setbacks. With three starters, including star safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, on injured reserve, the unit has struggled. Last week, they allowed the Steelers to score three touchdowns from over 45 yards—two rushing and one passing.
Conversely, Brosmer managed to relieve McCarthy during the second half of the game against the New York Giants, contributing to the Vikings’ third consecutive victory without the turnovers that plagued them against Seattle. “It’s all about finding little ways to improve on your craft and improve with the guys you’re playing with,” Brosmer reflected.
The Lions’ once-dominant rushing attack has faltered this season. The offensive line, missing two starters from the previous year, has struggled to adapt, resulting in diminished productivity for running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Last week, the Lions recorded a mere 15 rushing yards, their lowest total since 2016. They have failed to surpass 100 rushing yards in six games this season, which has significantly impacted their performance.
“It’s very difficult to control anything if you can’t control the run game,” said Lions head coach Dan Campbell. Despite a strong record last season, the Lions are experiencing their first two-game losing streak since the beginning of the 2022 season when they started 1-6.
As the Vikings navigate through a challenging season, they have become one of the few teams without any Pro Bowl selections for the first time since 1983, a stark contrast to last season’s seven selections during a 14-win campaign.
Both teams now look to their upcoming clash on Christmas Day, as the Lions cling to playoff hopes while the Vikings face an uncertain future.
