The match between the Lions and Vikings will be presented on RDS and RDS.ca, Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
The Detroit Lions can no longer win the title of the Northern section of the National Association, after having obtained the last two. The Minnesota Vikings were eliminated two weeks ago.
These sectional rivals’ combined 29 wins last season are a distant memory, once again illustrating how quickly the trajectories of NFL teams can shift from one year to the next.
It seemed natural that the Lions and Vikings would face each other in one of the three Christmas Day games, but the broadcast of holiday movies could relegate this duel to the background, given the current situations of the two teams.
The Lions, at least, still have a chance to make the playoffs, even if they need some help.
The road is simple: beat the Vikings on Thursday and the Chicago Bears next week, and watch the Green Bay Packers lose their final two games.
After reaching the National Association final, at the end of the 2023 season, and having established a team record with 15 victories, during the last campaign, the Lions (8-7) are in difficulty following their loss at home at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. It was their first two-game losing streak in more than three years.
“We didn’t have that feeling. It’s starting to eat away at us now, admitted quarterback Jared Goff. We need to find a solution.”
The ground attack, the engine of the Lions’ success the last two seasons, is not working this year. The offensive line lost two 2024 starters who weren’t properly replaced, and injuries disrupted some players’ play this season. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, as a result, were not as productive, and the run-faking passing game, in which Goff excels, was also less effective.
Last week, the Lions gained just 15 yards rushing, their lowest total since 2016. They are 0-6 this season when failing to reach 100 yards rushing, including the Nov. 2 home loss to the Vikings.
“It’s very difficult to control anything if we don’t control the ground game,” said head coach Dan Campbell.
It is undrafted rookie Max Brosmer who will get his second career start, for the Vikings (7-8).
Brosmer inherited a tough task in his first game as a starter, Nov. 30 in Seattle, against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Quarterback JJ McCarthy was out with a concussion and Carson Wentz was out for the remainder of the season due to shoulder surgery.
Brosmer threw four interceptions in the Seahawks’ 26-0 loss for the first shutout against the Vikings in 18 years.
This time, McCarthy is unavailable due to a stress fracture in his hand. Brosmer will have the opportunity to play at home against a much more vulnerable defense.
“I have dreamed of playing in the NFL for a long time, and to define myself mentally by one game would be unfair to the young player that I was,” Brosmer expressed.
With three defensive starters on injured reserve, including star players Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, the Lions’ defense collapsed. She gave up three 45-yard touchdowns to the Steelers last week, including two by rushing.
Brosmer, meanwhile, took over for McCarthy in the second half against the New York Giants and allowed the Vikings to sign their third consecutive victory.
“It’s about constantly finding new ways to progress and improve with your teammates,” Brosmer said. It’s rewarding to be in the huddle with the guys and see the fruit of your work.”
Dave Campbell, The Associated Press
