Predicting the rest of the 2023 Vikings schedule after the bye

Week 18: Vikings @ Lions

Depending on how the Lions and 49ers fare to this point, there might not be anything for Detroit to play for in this game, If San Francisco can't catch them for the No. 2 seed in the NFC, starters might be sitting for the Lions.

Although winning this way isn't what fans would likely want to see, A win at this point would put the Vikings in the playoffs. This scenario would also put the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs as the No. 6 seed.

There will be some good effort and promising performances from Detroit's backups but they won't be able to put away a determined Vikings team that has their heart set on making sure they are part of the postseason

In a game that isn't very competitive and almost has a preseason feel, the Minnesota Vikings get their win that sends them into the playoffs and the Detroit Lions get to rest their starters for what will likely be a third meeting between these teams in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

Prediction: Vikings 24 - Lions 10 (9-8)