The Detroit Lions could have rested their starters on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers with the knowledge that it's a Week 18 tilt with the Minnesota Vikings that will determine the NFC North and the conference's top seed. The San Francisco 49ers, already eliminated from playoff contention, could have also played out the string.

And don't be surprised if the Lions-Vikings winner-take-all finale smashes the Sunday Night Football high mark for this year, either.

The Detroit Lions square off against the Minnesota Vikings in the final week of the regular season in a crucial game that will determine the NFC North title and the top seed in the NFC. The winner will not only secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs but also get an additional rest with the first-round bye.