The final AFC playoff spot is up for grabs with the Broncos facing a win-and-in Week 18. If they lose, the Bengals and Dolphins are lurking.

Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy (left) and linebacker Eric Kendricks (50) celebrate leaving the field after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Dallas won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Campbell is a bear (not Chicago) of a man who played tight end in the NFL for 10 years. He played for the Giants and the Lions, and never caught more than 17 passes in any of those seasons. Despite that rather humble accomplishment, he believes his team will win every week.

The Athletic NFL writers Mike Jones, Ted Nguyen and Dan Pompei share their thoughts on all of these storylines and more. After a victory over an 11-win Packers team on Sunday, is it time to reconsider and place the Vikings in the Eagles/Lions class of Super Bowl contender in the NFC?

Mike Florio and Rodney Harrison debate how Dan Campbell playing his starters in Week 17 could impact the Lions as they prepare for their highly-anticipated Week 18 meeting with the Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (-2½) Sunday, 8:20 p.m. \| NBC. Pick: Lions -2½. This is a winner-take-all matchup for the NFC’s top see

Oddsmakers expect Vikings-Lions to produce fireworks — on the field and at the betting window. Patrick Everson breaks down the NFL Week 18 betting action.

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell brings intensity to every game. As for Sunday night's matchup between the Lions and Minnesota Vikings, which will determine the No. 1 seed in the NFC, Campbell knows his adrenaline will be pumping.