The Detroit Lions are riding a wave of success that’s taken them to the top of the NFC with an impressive 13-2 record. As they prepare to face the formidable San Francisco 49ers this week, the stakes are high. A victory, combined with a Green Bay Packers win over the Minnesota Vikings, would clinch the top seed in the NFC for the Lions, securing that coveted first-round bye before Week 18 even kicks off.

However, there’s an intriguing twist. Should the Vikings triumph over the Packers, everything hangs in the balance for the Lions.

That would set the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the season finale against Minnesota, rendering this week’s game against the 49ers a mere formality in terms of seeding. And with the Lions playing on Monday night, they’ll step onto the field fully aware of the Packers-Vikings outcome.

This knowledge could lead them to ponder resting key players.

Yet, Lions coach Dan Campbell has made it crystal clear that such strategic resting is not part of the Lions’ DNA. With an assertive declaration, Campbell has dispelled any notions of holding back: “I’ll make this easy for everybody…

We’re bringing everything we got to this game and we are playing, I don’t care what it looks like and where it’s at and who’s this, who’s that. We’re going out to play and win this game, out on the West Coast.

So there you go.”

Such determination rings especially true considering the Lions’ recent injury woes. They’ve weathered the loss of running back David Montgomery, defensive lineman Alim McNeill, and cornerbacks Carlton Davis III and Khalil Dorsey since Week 15. But the team showcased their resilience last week, decisively overpowering the Chicago Bears with a 34-17 victory.

With their sights set on that elusive first Super Bowl appearance and victory—after a near brush with glory in the NFC Championship game last season—these Lions, though battered, are far from beaten. Campbell remains confident in his squad’s ability to make a serious playoff push, injuries and all, embodying a fighting spirit that’s defined their remarkable season.