For the first time in NFL history, a pair of 14-2 teams play each other
The last game of the 2024 NFL regular season is a huge one — with many saying it has the potential to be the game of the year. While both the Buffalo Bills and the NFL postseason are sure to have plenty to say about that idea, tonight’s finale is must-see TV.
The Detroit Lions welcome the Minnesota Vikings to Ford Field, providing fitting closure to the regular season under the lights of Sunday Night Football on NBC. These teams last met in October for a Week 7 game at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions won what turned out to be a wild game, 31-29, which helps set the stage for tonight’s rematch.
Entering play, the oddsmakers at FanDuel Sportsbook have the Lions as 2.5-point favorites (-2.5) over the Vikings, with an O/U set at 56.5. This really could be a pick-em game, but those favoring the Lions should heed the team’s Week 17 results — a game where they allowed the woe-begotten San Francisco 49ers to march down the field for points almost every time they touched the ball.
It’s likely to be the case where the defense that steps up most manages to win tonight’s game. If that holds true, then bets are favorable for Minnesota to make just enough plays to come out on top. It may be foolish to bet against Detroit, however.
Me? I see things going Detroit’s way, despite a porous defense. There’s much to be said for state of mind, and head coach Dan Campbell brings it like no other NFL head coach. But the Vikings have a lot to say about just who should be the top seed in the NFC — a place the Lions felt was destined to be theirs early in the season. Detroit gets up for big games, and this is one of the biggest matchups they’ll be part of all season.
Detroit Lions 38, Minnesota Vikings 37
Here’s your open thread for the last game of the 2024 NFL regular season. As always, be kind to one another — and in all things... Go Bills!