8 quick thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 16

7. Vikings eliminated from winning the NFC North

With Minnesota's loss on Sunday, the Lions were able to clinch their first division title since 1993, when the two teams were actually part of the NFC Central.

Heading into the weekend, some had hope that the Vikings could still steal the NFC North championship away from Detroit this season.

But the Lions prevented that from happening on Sunday and Minnesota had to watch the Lions celebrate their division title win in front of their home fans inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Vikings were able to win the NFC North last season, but they still haven't won the division in back-to-back seasons since they did it in 2008 and 2009.

8. Another NFC North battle awaits the Vikings

Following Sunday's divisional contest against Detroit, Minnesota will host another NFC North opponent in their next game when they take on the Packers in Week 17 inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

The matchup will take place next Sunday evening on January 31, and it will be nationally televised on NBC at 7:20 p.m. CST.

The Vikings won their first matchup of the 2023 season against Green Bay back in Week 8, and that, of course, was the game in which Kirk Cousins suffered his torn Achilles.

Cousins obviously won't be under center for Minnesota next Sunday when they take on the Packers, but after Nick Mullens' ugly four-interception performance against the Lions, don't be surpised if the Vikings make another quarterback switch before taking on their hated rival.