One of the more underrated matchups of this weekend will be between a pair of NFC playoff hopefuls. The Minnesota Vikings (10-2) are already in the playoffs but can clinch the division with a win, while the Detroit Lions (5-7) are only two games behind the wildcard race.

The biggest X-factor in this game will be the literal X-factor.

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson is on another franchise record setting pace, and it looks like he will get even closer due to convenient circumstances.

It's reported that two of the Lions starting defensive backs, Jeff Okudah and Will Harris, are questionable to play Sunday.

If they can't go, that is a huge blow to Detroit's pass coverage and an advantage for Jefferson and the Vikings arial attack. Harris and Okudah combine for 66.3% completion, 875 yards, three touchdowns, eight pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

While Detroit is currently allowing the seventh most passing yards and third most passing yards per completion, they can't afford to be without starters in the secondary. Especially against the league's 13th best passing attack in which Jefferson accounts for 29.3% of the Minnesota Vikings arial yardage.

Not having a starting defensive back hurts. Not having two of them hurts even more. But not having either, this close to the postseason in which every game is essential is terrible.

For Detroit.

For the Minnesota Vikings, it is just the advantage they need to secure the division and get closer to the number one seed.

Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports