The Detroit Lions’ playoff fate could be decided on Christmas when the Lions (8-7) travel to U.S. Bank Stadium on Thursday to face the Minnesota Vikings in another NFC North showdown. The Vikings (7-8) are already out of playoff contention and could bring the Lions down with them in the penultimate game of the regular season for each team.

The Vikings' running back room might get some coal in their stocking this Christmas. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reporter on Tuesday that Jordan Mason is a "longshot" to play on Thursday against the Lions. While the Vikings are not ruling out RB Jordan Mason (ankle) for Thursday, he’s considered a longshot as of now, per source.

The Minnesota Vikings hit the road to face the New York Giants last week. They arrived later than anticipated and limped out of the Meadowlands with a

Players from the Vikings can still earn placement in the games through replacing injured players or replacing those in the Super Bowl. However, no one making it in the initial voting should be a red flag for those following the events of the 2025 season in Minnesota.

For the first time in more than a decade, the Pro Bowl roster lacks a single Minnesota Viking. The NFL released its all-star lineup on Tuesday, and amid a disappointing season that currently sees the Vikings below .500 and struggling particularly on offense, no Minnesota players are listed.

The Lions and Vikings meet on Christmas Day - find out which players we plan to start or sit ahead of a pivotal NFL Week 17.

However, one former Vikings player made the Pro Bowl roster: Sam Darnold.

⏹Against Washington in Week 15, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. became the first Giant to record a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game since Saquon Barkley on 9/17/23 at Arizona. The two scores in one game were also a career-high for Tracy.

Watch: #Vikings QB Max Brosmer and WR Justin Jefferson met with reporters, including KSTP Sports, after Tuesday's walk-through.