If not, the Steelers could reclaim the divisional flag by vanquishing the Bengals on Saturday night in Pittsburgh, though surging Cincinnati is still fighting for its own slim playoff chances.

The Vikings are 14-2, one win away from tying the franchise record for most victories in a single season (15 in 1998). But the last "W" on the checklist is especially important.

More than how much is at stake during Vikings-Lions this weekend, the matchup itself will be incredibly rare for myriad reasons.