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.

It's a given that Detroit Lions fans tuned into Monday night's win over the San Francisco 49ers. They were not alone, according to ESPN's recap of its broadcast. The Lions vs 49ers produced the biggest audience to watch any Monday Night Football game in 2024.

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

SF 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, quarterback Brock Purdy, lineman Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner speak after loss to Lions

The NFL's finale to the entire 2024 regular season schedule will be one of the most exciting conclusions to a year ever. The Detroit Lions (14-2) and Minnesota Vikings (14-2) will do battle in an epic NFC North clash on "Sunday Night Football,

Detroit's path to the Super Bowl could take a dramatic turn based on the outcome of Sunday's all-or-nothing showdown at Ford Field against the Minnesota Vikings. Why it matters: The winner gets the NFC's No.

Jared Goff threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns and the Detroit Lions defeated the San Francisco 49ers 40-34 at Santa Clara, Calif., on Monday night. Jameson Williams scored two

The winner of the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings matchup in NFL Week 18 will determine both the division and NFC's top playoff seed.