Thousands of Vikings fans (and maybe even some Lions fans) at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday thought receiver Justin Jefferson was going to will his team to victory again. Linebacker Jordan Hicks was transported back to last year's thrilling victory over the Bills, when Jefferson's one-handed "catch of the year" on fourth down took the NFL by storm. This time, Jefferson skyed above two Lions .
The games have been lurking at the end of Detroit's schedule like a difficult end-of-semester final exam, two games against Minnesota in the last three weeks that ought to show just how far these on-the-rise Lions have progressed. Despite a three-game lead on the Vikings in the NFC North with three games to play, the franchise's first division title in 30 years is far from secured. The biggest test for the Lions (10-4) this season will come Sunday at Minnesota, where they haven't won in six years.