The Detroit Lions are playing for divisional pride on Sunday, when they take on their NFC North rivals, the Minnesota Vikings, at home in Week 16.
The Detroit Lions are no longer in playoff contention. And with two games left in their season, there seems little to be gained by winning their final contests. In truth, ending the year with two more wins will only hurt their draft standing come April.
But posting a couple late season victories would bode well for morale. Especially considering the fact the Lions have a first-time head coach at the helm in Matt Patricia. If Detroit were able to win their final two games, it would leave them with a season-ending record of 7-9. That would match the lowest record posted during the tenure of former head coach Jim Caldwell back in 2015.
More importantly, it would end Detroit’s disastrous season with some semblance of hope. Patricia was brought to the Motor City to take a 9-7 team to the playoffs and beyond. Unfortunately, his presence has forced the Lions to rebuild and sent them spiraling down the standings.
Patricia’s championship pedigree needs to start paying off soon. And winning a game against a divisional rival late in the season would give fans hope for the future.
Here’s What You Need To Know
Game: Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
Date: Sunday, December 23, 2018
Location: Ford Field – Detroit, Michigan
Scheduled Kickoff Time: 1:00 p.m. (EST), Noon (CST), 10:00 a.m. (PST)
TV Network: FOX
Game Announcers: Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston
Streaming, Live or Otherwise: NFL Game Pass, NFL Sunday Ticket
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Radio Links: Sirius XM Radio, TuneIn.com, Westwood One
Weather Forecast: Cloudy, Temperatures – High of 36°F, Low of 29°F, with a 20% chance of rain and winds out of the southwest at 8 mph. (Source: Weather.com)