DETROIT — The Detroit Lions haven't been in this situation for decades.
They have already clinched their first division title in 30 years, but the opportunities ahead of them include things no Lions fans have even imagined in the 21st Century.
“We have checked the box on one thing, and now it is on to the next one,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “We're fighting for the No. 2 seed, you know. If we can get to the No. 1, so be it, but right now we're looking at what we can achieve on our own initiative.”
At worst, the Lions will finish as the No. 3 seed in the NFC, but wins against the Dallas Cowboys and at home against the Minnesota Vikings would clinch at least the No. 2 seed.
“That's no easy task,” Campbell said. “We've got to go to Dallas. They haven't lost at home in I don't know how many games, and they play really well there. It's going to be loud, but we're looking forward to it.”
To get the top seed, though, the Lions need a little help. They have to win their last two and have someone beat the San Francisco 49ers.
That means Detroit's best chance at a first-round bye is in the hands of an old friend, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Rams and 49ers play in Week 18, and both teams could need the win.
WHAT'S WORKING
The Lions have rushed for 2,116 yards and 24 touchdowns thanks to their 1-2 combination of David Montgomery (910 yards, 11 touchdowns) and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs (872 yards, nine touchdowns, plus 51 receptions). Detroit has hit 100 yards in its past eight games and at least 140 in its past five.
Gibbs was a first-round pick, but it meant the Lions had to deal D'Andre Swift for a fourth-round pick, but he has become a key playmaker in the Lions offense.
WHAT NEEDS HELP
Detroit still has issues in the secondary. Nick Mullins threw for 411 yards and two touchdowns at 18.7 yards per completion on Sunday, and a more polished quarterback could have done even more damage. In the last minute, Mullins had Justin Jefferson open for what could have been the winning touchdown, but he couldn't make the throw.
STOCK UP
S Ifeatu Melifonwu stepped up against the Vikings. He had two sacks, two tackles for loss and jumped in front of Jefferson for the game-clinching interception.
STOCK DOWN
DE Aidan Hutchinson hit Mullins four times on Sunday, but didn't finish any of the plays. He has 6 1/2 sacks, but only two have come in the past 10 games.
INJURIES
Campbell said Tuesday that pass-rush specialist James Houston could return to practice this week. He's been out since breaking his ankle in Week 2, but could give Detroit's front seven a boost in the last two regular-season games or their first-round playoff matchup.
KEY NUMBER
30 — years since the Lions last celebrated a division title. That was an NFC Central title at the Pontiac Silverdome. The Lions will be hosting their first playoff game at Ford Field, their home stadium since 2002.
NEXT STEPS
Put the celebrations in the rearview mirror and get ready for the Cowboys. A victory in Dallas could help make the Lions a serious contender in the NFC.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
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