If the Vikings beat the Lions on Christmas, they would leapfrog them in the NFC North and as a result of no longer being at the bottom of the standings, they would likely sacrifice a more favorable schedule next season. Let’s take a look at what that look at what’s at stake:

The former first-round draft pick was on the IR earlier this season for almost two months after being diagnosed with concussions in Weeks 2 and 4. Kelly changed his helmet models and started wearing a Guardian Cap after returning in Week 12 before colliding with Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke on Sunday.

Brosmer starts for Vikings again after McCarthy’s latest injury:After J.J. McCarthy sustained a hairline fracture on his right hand in the first half of the Vikings’ win over the New York Giants on Dec.

Since being dealt to the Vikings, Hockenson is 1-3 against the Lions, finally getting his first win over the team earlier this season in a 27-24 victory at Ford Field. Hockenson only caught two passes for 11 yards, but one was for a touchdown in the first quarter.

In an alternate universe, quarterback J.J. McCarthy didn’t suffer a small hairline fracture in his right hand, which meant he was able to continue his upward trajectory for the Vikings last weekend in a win over the New York Giants.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings NFL game to be played on December 25, 2025 on ESPN.

After putting up a career-worst performance vs. the Vikings in Week 16, Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart vowed to bounce back.