Dan Campbell tells Kevin O’Connell he anticipates playoff rematch with Vikings: ‘See you in two weeks’

Someone was going to leave Ford Field with 14 wins and nothing but disappointment on Sunday night. Much to the delight of the fans in the building, it wasn’t the Lions.

Detroit ensured its dream season wouldn’t lead to a road playoff game by dismantling the Vikings in the second half on “Sunday Night Football” and riding Jahmyr Gibbs’ four touchdowns to a 31-9 win.

The Vikings, despite their 14-3 record, will have to start the playoffs on the road vs. the Rams, but Lions coach Dan Campbell doesn’t think he’s seen the last of Minnesota.

Here’s what Campbell said to Kevin O’Connell when the two met at midfield after the game.

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Campbell revealed to O’Connell that he expects the Lions and Vikings to meet again in the divisional round.

“Good job, great season. I’ll see you in two weeks,” Campbell told the Coach of the Year contender in a brief interaction after the final whistle sounded on Sunday night.

The Lions won’t play for another two weeks when they will play host to a divisional round game for the second consecutive season. They will face the lowest remaining seed in the NFC, which could very well be the Vikings if Minnesota picks up the win in L.A.

If the Commanders or Packers win, however, the Vikings would not be able to face the Lions in the divisional round. That might be the preferred scenario for Minnesota, considering the way Detroit’s defense seemed to have O’Connell’s offense figured out on Sunday. The Lions were all over Darnold despite still dealing with injuries, and their pass defense did a terrific job covering the Vikings’ talented group of weapons.

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While coaches might say it’s tough to beat the same team three times in a season, recent history says otherwise. The Eagles and 49ers both beat a divisional opponent three times in 2022 and did so soundly. The Lions seem to have the Vikings’ number this season, so it’s no surprise Campbell has his eyes on a potential rematch. 

The Lions are 5-1 against the Vikings since O’Connell was hired in Minnesota, with O’Connell’s only head-to-head win coming in his first meeting with Campbell.