NFL Exec Ranks Vikings over Lions, Doubts Detroit Can Stop Justin Jefferson, Addison

Amid their late-season surge, the Minnesota Vikings are emerging as the favorites to steal the No. 1 seed in the NFC from the Detroit Lions.

One NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando that he favors the Vikings in their Week 18 matchup against the Lions, particularly highlighting the potential difficulty Detroit will face trying to stop Minnesota's star wide receiver duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

"I think Minnesota has the edge (over Detroit) because they are healthier and built a little better with the health issues facing Detroit," the exec said. "(Lions defensive coordinator) Aaron (Glenn) has to find solutions for (Justin) Jefferson and (Jordan) Addison, and I don't know if they are going to have those answers."

Jefferson is ranked second in the NFL with 1,479 receiving yards and tied for fifth with 10 touchdowns on 100 receptions. Addison has added 62 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns.

Thanks in part to their talented receiver tandem, the Vikings (14-2) have won nine straight games and put themselves in a position to claim the No. 1 seed in the NFC in the final week of the season. They suffered a close 31-29 loss to the Lions (13-2) in their first meeting in Week 7, so they will be motivated to get revenge next Sunday.

The Sunday Night Football matchup between Minnesota and Detroit is sure to be one of the most exciting games of the year.