Lions vs Vikings

Lore & Background

The 2023 season was the Lions' third under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. After a Week 16 win against the Vikings, the Lions won their first division title since 1993, and their first ever as a member of the NFC North following the NFL's division realignment in 2002.

In Their Own Story

The November wind off the Great Lakes cut through the sideline tents at Ford Field like a blade. The scoreboard read 24-24, fourth quarter, two minutes left. A Lions linebacker, shoulder pads dented, jaw clenched, stared across the hash marks at a Vikings running back who had just broken three tackles. The crowd—thirty thousand voices, a wall of navy and silver—roared so loud the broadcast feed clipped. The linebacker wiped mud from his visor, spat it onto the turf, and turned to the offensive line. 'Same look,' he barked. 'Don't let him see the edge.' The snap came. The ball hit the backfield. And for one breathless second, the whole city held still, waiting to see whether this year, finally, the grudge would tip their way.

Reader's Guide

The Lions' victory over the Vikings in Week 16 assured them their first home playoff game since 1993 and only their third since winning their last NFL title in 1957.

Did You Know?

• The Lions finished the 2023 regular season with a 12–5 record, tying a franchise record for wins.
• The Lions' .706 winning percentage in 2023 was their best since 1991.
• The Lions' playoff win over the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card game was their first playoff victory since the 1991 season.