The Detroit Lions watched Washington beat Philadelphia on their cellphones following a 34-17 bounce-back win at Chicago that helped them keep pace with Minnesota in the race for the NFC North title and top seeding in the conference.

With two games to go, here's what the Lions need to have happen to clinch the NFC's No. 1 seed and secure a first-round bye.

Everyone else seemed to have it on their phone, too.” The Lions and Vikings are 13-2 and have two games left, including the regular-season finale against each other on Jan. 5 at Ford Field. The Eagles dropped to 12-3.

Because the Lions play the 49ers on “Monday Night Football” this week, there is a scenario that would render the outcome of this game meaningless, with regard to playoff impli