While the Lions won the NFL's best division since the merger, the Vikings' road got a whole lot tougher. Should the NFL change its rules?

The Detroit Lions are once again the kings of the NFC North Division, clinching their second consecutive division title with Sunday night’s 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings inside what was truly an electric atmosphere inside Ford Field.

Dan Campbell likely didn't have ill-intent behind it, but his quip to Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell after the Lions beat Minnesota in Sunday's season finale may come back to bite both teams in the rear end.

Let's take a deeper look into how the Lions' defense led Detroit to a 31-9 victory against the Vikings on Sunday night.

The Detroit Lions defense held Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold to a 43.9% completion percentage and just 166 yards passing in a 31-9 win.

The Lions will be rewarded with a first-round bye, while the Vikings wind up with the No. 5 seed and will face the Los Angeles Rams.

Jahmyr Gibbs scored three of his franchise-record tying four touchdowns in the second half, and the Detroit Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-9 to win their second straight NFC North title and earn

Lets breakdown the Detroit Lions Studs and Duds for their win over the Minnesota Vikings earning division title and NFC top seed

The NFL season will sometimes show us what we want to see from players; other times, we may see something bad when it isn't

Here are five takeaways from the Vikings’ 31-9 loss to the Lions. There’s no way around it: In the biggest game of his career to this point, quarterback Sam Darnold was completely consumed by the moment. He seemed rattled from the first time he touched the ball and only completed 18 of 41 passes for 166 yards.

Everything we know from the Lions epic Week 18 win over the Vikings, including stats, stars, key observations and more

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates with wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Tim Patrick (17) and Jameson Williams (9) and tight end Sam LaPorta (87) in the end zone after running for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at Ford Field. / Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings face the Detroit Lions this week on Sunday Night Football. The winner takes the NFC's No. 1 seed. Live coverage begins at 7 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.

The Minnesota Vikings will face the Detroit Lions in week 18 of the NFL season at Ford Field on Sunday Night Football, January 5th. WATCH: Vikings vs Lions Live