The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Week 18 preview: Vikings at Lions for all the (regular season) marbles

Jan 3, 2025

The thrilling clash between the Vikings and Lions for NFC supremacy takes center stage as both teams vie for playoff positioning. Discussion highlights the Lions' defensive challenges due to injuries and the Vikings' strategic advantages. The evolving game plans and play calling are explored, alongside playoff hopes for various teams. The contrast between AFC star quarterbacks and NFC's well-crafted teams provides insight into the postseason's competitive landscape. Lastly, the Bengals vs. Steelers matchup could significantly impact playoff scenarios.

01:04:45

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Quick takeaways

The Vikings-Lions matchup represents a historic clash as both teams enter with 13 or more wins, impacting playoff positioning.

Injuries have critically weakened the Lions' defense, altering their strategies and making them vulnerable to the Vikings' explosive offense.

The contrasting nature of the AFC and NFC playoffs showcases the AFC's reliance on star quarterbacks while the NFC favors cohesive team structures.

Deep dives

Importance of Week 18 Matchups

Week 18 of the NFL season is marked by crucial matchups that will significantly affect playoff standings, particularly in the NFC. The Vikings' clash with the Lions stands out as a key game with high stakes, as both teams vie for the number one seed and home-field advantage in the playoffs. This game carries historical weight, being the first regular season encounter between two teams with 13 or more wins. While other games may lack impact, this specific matchup holds potential implications for both teams' playoff trajectories and fan morale.

Intro

4min

Clash of Contenders: Vikings vs. Lions

13min

Strategic Insights: Lions vs Vikings Showdown

12min

Play Calling Evolution and NFC Landscape

5min

Playoff Hopes and Team Dynamics

11min

NFC Playoff Prospects and Crucial Bengals-Steelers Showdown

3min

AFC Playoff Dynamics and Quarterback Battles

13min

The regular season began four months ago with what very well could be an AFC Championship Game preview, Ravens at Chiefs. It ends with what very well could be an NFC Championship Game preview, Vikings at Lions. The location of that possible third meeting between division foes will be determined on Sunday night when they battle for regular season NFC supremacy. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive deep on that game to kick off the Week 18 preview episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss the remaining playoff spots up for grabs—AFC 7-seed and NFC South winner—choose their own adventure for the NFC Wild Card round, and consider the contrasting makeup of the playoff fields within the two conferences.

Rundown

Vikings-Lions preview
Remembering the first Bucs-Saints game of the season
Building our ideal NFC Wild Card Round matchups
Bengals-Steelers preview
The AFC 7-seed
AFC's got the star QBs, NFC's got the expertly built teams

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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