Will the Lions sit their starters against Vikings? Here's what we know
Things did not go the way the Detroit Lions were hoping they would go in Week 17. They had a shot at the number one seed and then NFL officials took a shot at that and the Lions lost. Now the team is on the outside looking in when it comes to the top seed. […]
Things did not go the way the Detroit Lions were hoping they would go in Week 17. They had a shot at the number one seed and then NFL officials took a shot at that and the Lions lost. Now the team is on the outside looking in when it comes to the top seed. There's still a chance at the two seed though, but some things have to happen first.
The Lions would have to beat the Vikings and then both the Eagles and Cowboys would have to lose. That's a pretty hard thing to see happening. I could see maybe two of them happening, but all three? That's a lot and would require quite a bit of luck.
So will the Lions accept their more than likely inevitable fate of being the third seed and sit their starters for this last game? It seems unlikely for multiple reasons. The first being that there is still something to play for. Just because it seems impossible, that doesn't mean it is.
The Lions can knock a division rival out of playoff contention. I know the Vikings road to the playoffs is super hard, but the Lions can end it. The Eagles and Cowboys are both playing against NFC East rivals who should like nothing more than to spoil things for their rivals in any way possible. Losses keep both teams out of the second seed. So this week totally matters for the Lions.
The other thing is that we pretty much know the answer to this question already because Lions head coach Dan Campbell already answered it. When asked on the 18th what his philosophy on resting players for the playoffs is, this was his answer:
“Yeah, when we’re done with the season, they’re going to rest. I promise you that. They’re going to get plenty of time off.”
So that pretty much takes care of that. I would not expect anything different unless Campbell and the Lions have changed their philosophy in the last couple weeks. I realize there's a chance for Teddy Bridgewater to play his last career game against his former team here, but that might just have to not happen.
Get ready to see the Lions trot everyone out there this week. Don't be surprised if you see C.J. Gardner-Johnson and maybe even James Houston and Alim McNeill too. The latter is expected to return to practice this week and could possibly play in this game.
Updates:
Campbell was asked if he planned to play the starters against the Vikings on Sunday. This was the response:
Campbell also confirmed that the Lions were looking to get Gardner-Johnson and Alim McNeill involved in this game. He also brought up Jason Cabinda. That could point to Cabinda being brought back on the practice squad at some point this week.
Lions’ final game of the season has been scheduled
Happy New Year! The Detroit Lions are playoff bound, but they have to do one more thing and that's play the Minnesota Vikings at home on Sunday. But when is that game? We now have our answer. The Lions will be taking on the Vikings this Sunday at 1:00PM ET. In case you're confused by […]
