How to watch Vikings vs. Lions today: Start time, TV channel, live stream for Week 18
The NFL saved perhaps its best for last.
The Minnesota Vikings (14-2) and Detroit Lions (14-2) will close out the 2024 NFL regular season with the sort of high-stakes matchup rarely seen outside the playoffs. The winner will be crowned NFC North champion, earn a first-round bye in the playoffs, and get home-field advantage as the NFC's No. 1 seed. The loser will be relegated to the No. 5 seed in the NFC bracket and go on the road in the wild-card round next week.
It's just the third time in NFL history that two teams have played in the final game of the regular season with the No. 1 seed in a conference on the line. It's also the first time in league history two teams with 13 wins have met in a regular-season game.
The Lions are the slight favorite as the home team and hold the tiebreaker if the two teams were to finish Week 18 with a tie based on their 31-29 win over the Vikings on Oct. 20. They have the NFL's top-scoring offense led by quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, which has helped offset a defense that's been attempting to get by despite a rash of injuries.
The Vikings are the biggest surprise of this season, overwhelming preseason expectations with a sturdy defense and the emergence of quarterback Sam Darnold under coach Kevin O'Connell's tutelage. Minnesota's leading tackler, linebacker Blake Cashman, didn't play in the team's first matchup with Detroit in Minneapolis, and the Vikings have yet to lose a game this season in which he's been active.
This promises to be a memorable finish to the NFL regular season and maybe a preview of what's to come in the playoffs. Here's what to know for the NFL "Sunday Night Football" game between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions in Week 18:
When is kickoff time for Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions?
The Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Week 18 "Sunday Night Football" game is set to kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET (7:20 p.m. CT).
What channel is Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions game on?
The Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions game will be broadcast on NBC as its selection for "Sunday Night Football" in Week 18.
How to stream Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions game
The Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions game in Week 18 can be streamed on Peacock, as well as the NBC Sports app and NBCSports.com (must have a cable or satellite TV provider).
Those looking to cut the cord can watch the game on Fubo, which is offering a free trial for new subscribers.
Watch "Sunday Night Football" on Fubo
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions: Time, TV, streaming for Week 18 game
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 5
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET (7:20 p.m. CT)
- TV: NBC
- Location: Ford Field (Detroit)
Watch Vikings vs. Lions on Peacock
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