Will the Detroit Lions finally get help in the NFC playoff race?

The race for the top spot in the NFC is essentially limited to just four teams right now, with the Detroit Lions at the top at 11-1. Hot on their heels are the Minnesota Vikings (9:2), the Philadelphia Eagles (9:2) and the Green Bay Packers (9:3). Every other NFC team has at least five losses, meaning Detroit would have to go 1-4 to give another team a chance to get into the conversation.

Unfortunately for the Lions, those other three teams in the competition didn’t give them any wiggle room. Although the Lions are on a 10-game winning streak, the Eagles are on a seven-game winning streak of their own, the Vikings have won four straight and the Packers have won seven of their last eight games.

However, Week 13 is the week where the Lions were finally able to create some distance. While the Packers have already won their match on Thursday evening, the Eagles and Vikings face major challenges on Sunday.

So today’s question of the day is:

Will the Lions finally get help in the NFC playoff race?

My answer: First, let’s look at the two relevant matchups:

Eagles (9-2) vs. Ravens (8-4) – 4:25 p.m. ET – CBS (nationally televised)

Everyone will get a chance to see the Eagles in their biggest test yet. Lamar Jackson has a ridiculous record against NFC teams as a starter (23-1), so it’s no surprise that Baltimore is the favorite, even though it’s only a three-point line according to FanDuel.

Cardinals (6-5) at Vikings (9-2) – 1 p.m. ET – FOX

Arizona’s season has been full of ups and downs, but they currently hold a share of the NFC West lead (with the Seahawks), so this is a very important game for them. Last week, their four-game winning streak was halted after a disappointing game against Seattle, where they managed just six points and 49 yards rushing. The Vikings’ defense will be a challenge for Kyler Murray and Co., which is why Minnesota is likely the 3.5-point favorite.

So will the Lions get help? Yes, I think the Ravens will wipe out the Eagles’ winning streak. But I don’t expect the Vikings to fail in this game, despite their poor play recently. In the end, the Lions may create some distance from the rest of the NFC, but I expect the NFC North to hold extremely tight.

What do you think? Vote in the poll below and share why in the comments section at the bottom of the page.