Lions-Vikings matchup has lost some luster, but playoffs are still possible for Detroit

The Detroit Lions can't win the NFC North after taking the last two titles. The Minnesota Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention before they took the field two weeks ago.

The 29 wins these division rivals combined for last season are a distant memory now, the latest example of how quickly trajectories can shift for teams in this league from year to year.

The Lions and Vikings were a natural pair for one of the league's three showcase matchups streaming on Christmas Day, with...