The Detroit Lions are poised to win their first division title since 1993. The only way that doesn’t happen is if the Lions lose all three of their remaining games (at Vikings, at Cowboys, at Vikings) and the Minnesota Vikings win all three of their remaining games (at Vikings, at Packers, at Lions). That’s not an inconceivable scenario, but with the Lions already favored by three points in Minnesota this week, it would be a surprise.
Some Lions fans may take the “I’ll believe it when I see it” mentality, which is understandable. This team has previously come close to winning their division, only to disappoint their fans. But here’s something to cheer about: almost no Minnesota Vikings fans believe their team will win.
This week, our rivals at Daily Norseman asked their readers to forecast the Vikings’ record in their final three games for their Reacts poll. The number of people who projected 3-0 was so low that it didn’t even make the weekly graphic.
A quick calculation suggests that approximately 7% of Vikings fans feel the team will prevail.
Of course, it’s worth remembering that this poll caught Vikings supporters at a low point. They are coming off an awful overtime defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals, and they have only won one of their last four games, a 3-0 win over the Raiders.
So, even the vast majority of Vikings fans anticipate the Lions will win the NFC North in the coming weeks. And, for what it’s worth, the postseason odds seem to agree, with the Lions having a 93-96 percent chance of winning the division.
