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Ben Goessling's Vikings-Lions preview and prediction: Slim playoff hopes and something to prove

The Vikings (7-9) entered their Dec. 24 matchup against the Lions with hopes of winning out and claiming their second consecutive NFC North title. Losses to Detroit and Green Bay have instead reduced them to a thread of a playoff chance heading into their regular-season finale, where they'll need to beat the Lions (11-5) and have three other games break their way. There's also some pride on the line for a team that's lost five of its last six to fall to the fringes of the playoff race.

Here's a look at Sunday's matchup between the Vikings and Lions:

THE BIGGEST STORY LINE

Mullens gets last turn on Vikings' QB carousel: For the third time in the past four games, the Vikings will have a different starter at quarterback than they used the previous week.