By Mummy Grace 
The Lions’ Big Opportunity: It’s Time for Ford Field to Rock
By Brandon Knapp @BKnappBlogs | Jan 2, 2025
It’s here—the game that could decide everything for the Detroit Lions. While it’s not technically a playoff game yet, this one sure feels like it. The Lions are taking on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football, fighting for the NFC North title and that all-important top seed in the NFC. After this, no matter what happens, it’s going to be a win-or-go-home situation for the Lions. This is the perfect tune-up for Detroit as they prep for the postseason.
Flashback to earlier this season: The Vikings were undefeated at 5-0, and the Lions went into Minnesota, pulled off the upset, and won 31-29, taking control of the division. Fast forward to now, and the Vikings are back in Detroit, looking to reclaim the division and secure the No. 1 seed. So the big question: Can they do what the Lions did to them back in October?
Why Ford Field Needs to Show Up
This has got to be the loudest, most energetic game at Ford Field this season. The Lions are 6-2 at home and a perfect 8-0 on the road. That’s solid, but this is the game where the crowd has to be the difference-maker. Detroit fans need to be loud, passionate, and relentless to make life hell for the Vikings.
And if you’re going to the game, you’ve got a job to do. Be on your feet the whole game, grab food before the game or at halftime, and be as loud as possible when the Vikings are on the field. When the Lions offense is at work, you gotta keep it quiet so they can do their thing. It’s a team effort, fans included.
One thing that can’t happen: A Viking invasion. If you’re selling your tickets, make sure they’re going to Lions fans. There’s nothing wrong with making a little cash, but if you’re handing your tickets over to Vikings fans, you’re not doing the team any favors.
Vikings Struggles in Detroit
Minnesota has only lost one road game this year—against the Rams. But Ford Field? That’s a whole different beast. In the last three seasons, the Vikings haven’t won in Detroit. Not once. Since 2014, they’re 5-5 in Detroit—by far their worst record against any divisional opponent on the road.
The Vikings struggle in Detroit, and if the crowd can get in their heads and make it tough to communicate, it’s going to make a huge difference. The Vikings have their work cut out for them on Sunday, playing in a stadium they haven’t conquered in years.
This Could Be the Lions’ Last Home Game
Depending on how this game goes, this might be the Lions’ last home game of the season. If they don’t win, it’s possible all their playoff games will be on the road. This is Detroit’s postseason dress rehearsal—and the fans need to treat it like the real deal.
Last season, when the Lions were in the postseason, Ford Field was electric. The crowd made life hell for teams like the Rams and Buccaneers. It was insane. When the crowd is fired up, Ford Field is one of the toughest places to play. With 65,000 fans screaming at you, trying to keep up with the Lions’ offense, that’s not an easy task.
If the fans bring the energy, the Lions have a much better chance of winning. But if the crowd’s not giving their all, or worse—if there’s a Viking takeover—it’s going to be an even game. The fans need to make sure that doesn’t happen.