ALLEN PARK — The Lions won’t hold anything back when they face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday for a chance to clinch the NFC North division title.
In a strange scenario, they’ll face the Vikings twice in the last three weeks with a trip to the Dallas Cowboys in-between. The final regular season contest is against the Vikings at Ford Field on Jan. 7.
Lions coach Dan Campbell said the Vikings are a different team offensively and defensively than last season when Detroit split with Minnesota.
“It’s a little bit of a fresh take on them somewhat. That’s a good thing. Our whole focus is this is the first one, so let’s dive into let’s put the best gameplan we can,’’ Campbell said on Monday.
The Lions (10-4) are coming off an impressive 42-17 win over the Denver Broncos while the Vikings (7-7) lost 27-24 in overtime to Cincinnati on Saturday.
“We can’t worry about game 2. After this, after Dallas, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,’’ Campbell said. “We can’t hold anything back, this is it, everything is about finding a way to get this one – the best gameplan we can possibly put together.’’
The Lions could clinch a playoff berth if Seattle loses to the Eagles on Monday Night Football.
That would be great with Campbell, but the Lions’ focus on winning the NFC North remains clear.
“For us, that’s all you have to worry about. Let’s clean up what we clean up. We cleaned up the things from the Denver game with the team today — this is where we have to get better, this is what we did well, this is where we continue to go,’’ Campbell said. “We’ll put together a great game plan for these guys and we’ll know what we have to do against Minnesota.
INJURY/ROSTER UPDATE
LB Derrick Barnes injured his shoulder in Saturday’s win but returned to the game in the second half. WR Jameson Williams was banged up too, but Campbell said both appear to be fine.
Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and fullback Jason Cabinda will open their practice window this week. Gardner-Johnson suffered a torn pec in Week 2. Cabinda has been on injured reserve since Week 3.
Also, Campbell said rookie QB Hendon Hooker will likely be moved to the active roster.
UP NEXT: Lions at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 24.
Lions Lowdown 