After losing the first regular-season game in league history pitting teams with a combined 28 victories, the Vikings (14-3) hit the road for wild-card weekend, visiting the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams (10-7) on Monday night as the most accomplished fifth seed in NFL history.

The NFC playoff picture and schedule is starting to shape outside of Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings NFL finale Sunday night. Here's what we know.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates with teammates wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski) AP

The Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings (14-3), 31-9, in the first ever regular-season game in NFL history between two teams with 13-plus wins apiece. The victory earned the Lions the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. It’s the first time in franchise history the Lions have earned the No. 1 seed in the postseason.

The San Francisco 49ers announced that they have completed an interview with Detroit Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend for their defensive coordinator vacancy.

Deshea Townsend oversaw a Detroit Lions secondary that finished 30th in NFL in pass defense this season but tied for the fifth-most interceptions.

The San Francisco 49ers began their search for a new defensive coordinator by interviewing Robert Saleh for a second stint at the job and Detroit Lions assistant Deshea Townsend.