The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are known for their intense on-field battles, often fighting for the NFC North title.
This season, their
rivalry is heightened, with both teams sharing the same record heading into crucial Week 17 games. Both are still in contention for the NFC’s top seed and a first-round playoff bye.
Despite the Lions defeating the Vikings 31-29 earlier, Minnesota could still overtake Detroit.
If the Vikings win their season finale against Detroit and also defeat Green Bay, head coach Kevin O’Connell, a leading candidate for Coach of the Year, would secure the NFC’s top seed. However, their competition might extend beyond the field, as both teams could soon pursue an All-Pro player.
Six-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Calais Campbell, currently with the Miami Dolphins, may become available if the 7-8 Dolphins are eliminated from playoff contention this weekend.
Should that happen, it is expected the Dolphins would release the 38-year-old All-Pro, making him subject to the NFL’s waiver process, where teams with poorer records get first claim.
There is growing speculation that several contenders are monitoring Campbell’s situation.
According to Dolphins insider Omar Kelly, the Lions, Vikings, and Kansas City Chiefs are among the teams interested.
While the Chiefs aim for a historic three-peat, the Lions and Vikings may also see Campbell as a valuable addition.
Detroit, dealing with injuries, could bolster their defensive line with Campbell’s experience. Minnesota, on the other hand, has struggled to find elite defensive linemen and could benefit greatly from the veteran’s leadership.
For Campbell, joining any of these teams presents unique opportunities.
With the Chiefs, he could be part of an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl win. The Lions, meanwhile, offer the chance to fill a critical need and help a team on the rise.
For the Vikings, Campbell could provide the veteran presence needed to enhance their defense and strengthen their playoff push.
As the season nears its end, the competition for Campbell’s services could be as intense as the games themselves.
For all three teams, adding a player of Campbell’s caliber could be the key to a deep playoff run or even a championship.