I can’t remember the last time the Vikings played the Lions in what was considered a big game for the Vikings. The rivalry isn’t nearly as strong as with the Packers, and I can’t remember the last time the Vikings needed a win over the Lions to make the playoffs late in the season- a true make or break game. And this season, neither game against the Lions has any outsized relevance- although it would be nice for the Vikings to beat the Lions and clinch their inevitable NFC North division title on Sunday.
But for the Lions, this Sunday’s game seems to be carrying greater significance.