Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell shakes hands after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

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NFL Playoffs: Has a No. 5 Seed Ever Finished with 14 Wins?

History is about to be made this sunday

This Sunday marks the final night of the NFL regular season, with playoff spots still up for grabs.

One of the biggest storylines in Week 18 is the battle for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. And for that, one game will decide it all: Lions vs. Vikings.

With identical records of 14 wins and 2 losses, these two teams will face off in a true finale on Sunday night to close out the season.

The equation is simple: the winner secures the No. 1 seed in the NFC, earning home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The loser, however, drops to the No. 5 seed.

The No. 5 seed will face the NFC South champion, either the Buccaneers or the Falcons.

But the most astonishing fact is the number of wins: 14.

In NFL history, no team has ever finished as the No. 5 seed after winning 14 games in the regular season. The record set by the 1999 Titans, who finished with 13 wins, is set to be broken this weekend.

“This is what you’re in it for, man. Ultimately, this is it,” Coach Campbell said ahead of the showdown with Minnesota.

“I mean, you couldn’t write a better scenario. You couldn’t come up with this. The fact that both teams are sitting at 14-2 and it’s for the division and the No. 1 seed.”

This season, the NFC North has arguably been the most competitive division in the NFL. With three teams surpassing 10 wins, the division has left little room for the rest of the NFC.

The Lions and Vikings are set to deliver an incredible battle this Sunday, competing for the division title, the No. 1 seed, and the ever-crucial momentum that comes with playoff football.

Photo Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

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Charles Taudin

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Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.