The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Week 18 recap: Lions lock up the top spot in the NFC, and now we're all playoff-bound

Jan 6, 2025

The Lions clinched the top seed in the NFC with a decisive win against the Vikings. Week 18 delivered chaos in the NFC South, highlighting thrilling games with unexpected outcomes. Analysts discussed quarterback challenges and the defensive prowess of standout players. The playoff picture continues to shape up, with injuries impacting team dynamics. There's buzz about the Patriots' uncertain offensive future and some hilarious moments from big players during the matches. Get ready for some exciting playoff action!

01:25:06

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Quick takeaways

The Lions' victory over the Vikings exemplified their significant growth this season, securing the top spot in the competitive NFC playoff picture.

Coaching changes, including the firing of Gerard Mayo by the Patriots, highlight the challenges teams face in evaluating first-year head coaches amid difficult circumstances.

The emergence of young quarterbacks like Tanner McKee underscores the evolving landscape of NFL talent and the importance of player development for future success.

Deep dives

Lions' Impressive Performance

The Lions delivered one of their best performances of the season against the Vikings, showcasing their growth under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. This game was a testament to the team's building process, especially reflecting on their ability to compete effectively with the number one seed in the NFC on the line. Both the offense and defense executed well, specifically highlighting how they overcame significant injuries to key players. The Lions' victory not only solidified their playoff positioning but also instilled a sense of pride among their fans.

Intro

3min

Reflections on an Entertaining Finale: Analyzing Week 18 Matchups

2min

Quarterback Challenges and Defensive Triumphs

19min

Chaotic Week 18: NFC South Showdown

5min

NFC Showdown: Playoff Implications and Rising Stars

15min

NFC Playoff Picture and Team Dynamics

25min

Navigating the Future of the Patriots' Offense

2min

Celebrating Memorable Big Men Moments in Week 18

3min

NFL Week 18 Recap and Playoff Implications

9min

The playoff puzzle was mostly put together going into Week 18, but there was still one huge piece that needed to be put in place. The Lions dropped that piece into the puzzle on Sunday night, knocking off the Vikings to lock up the top spot in the NFC. All that's left now is to put a bow on the regular season, and point ourselves toward the playoffs. That's exactly what Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen do on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.

Rundown

Lions take care of Vikings, lock up 1-seed in NFC
The NFC South delivers in classic NFC South fashion
The NFC playoff field
The AFC playoff field
2025 NFL Draft order
Patriots fire Jerod Mayo
Dolphins, Colts not making any head coach or GM changes
Did You See That?!?
What Did We Learn Today?

Host: Robert Mays

Co-Host: Derrik Klassen

Executive Producer: Michael Beller

Producer: Michael Beller

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Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

Follow Robert on X: @robertmays

Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass

Theme song: Haunted

Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

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