Dan Campbell isn’t just the heart and soul of the Lions. He called the week 18 game as ‘fairytale’ and literally turned it into a nightmare for his opponents. The Lions registered a dominant 31-9 win over the Vikings. After the game he continued with some verbal attacks.

“I’ll see you in two weeks,” Campbell told Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. That wasn’t just coach speech. It was a bold prediction, as Campbell fully expects the Vikings to win their Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. And if that turns out to be the case, Minnesota would return to Detroit for a divisional-round rematch.

But had the Lions lost, it would have been the Vikings holding the No. 1 seed. Campbell’s six-word message was a mic-drop moment. It wasn’t about dismissing the Vikings. It was about setting the stage. The Lions capped off a remarkable 15-2 season. One fueled by Jahmyr Gibbs’s four-touchdown explosion. And Detroit’s defense was just as dominant.

They consistently kept Minnesota out of the endzone and limited Justin Jefferson to a mere 54 yards. For Minnesota, the loss stings bad. It drops the Vikings to a 14-3 wildcard team. A peculiar scenario, where they became the first-ever road playoff team with 14 wins in the bank. But Campbell’s faith in them speaks volumes about this budding rivalry.

Minnesota now faces the Rams in Los Angeles. If they win, they’ll get another shot at Detroit in the divisional round. And Campbell’s confident prediction has only added a layer of psychological pressure to the mix.

Lions and Vikings: A clash for NFC supremacy

This wasn’t just a win for Detroit. It was a statement of dominance. The Lions conquered the NFC North with went 6-0 in the division this year, a first in franchise history. Jared Goff was as efficient as ever. He completed 27 of 33 passes. However, it was Gibbs who truly stood out.

Gibbs tied a franchise record with four touchdowns. On the other line of things, the Lions’ defense held Minnesota to a woeful 0-for-4 in the red zone. Still, the Vikings aren’t out of the fight. They’ll head into their Wild Card game as road favorites. A win there would set up the NFC North clash fans deserve. And one that Dan seems to aspire.

Campbell’s confidence fuels anticipation, while O’Connell’s quiet determination adds intrigue. The Vikings face a tough road to redemption. Their loss in the SNF game exposed cracks. QB Sam Darnold struggled in this game. He could only complete 18 of 41 passes. And the Rams will test Minnesota’s mettle further, led by ex-Lion Matthew Stafford. But the Vikings are still a 14-3 team. And that proves resilience.

Detroit, meanwhile, has earned a well-deserved rest. Their first-round bye gives them time to recover and prepare for whoever emerges. Should Minnesota win, Campbell’s prophecy comes full circle. And a third meeting with Detroit could settle the score once and for all.

The Lions are roaring, and Dan Campbell’s confidence isn’t just talk. It’s a belief in his team and perhaps in their rivals as well. Now, it’s on the Minnesota Vikings to prove their mettle.