It doesn't change the result of last year's NFC Championship, but the Lions' 40-34 win over the 49ers on "Monday Night Football" is nonetheless a big win for Detroit, which will now prepare for the right to earn the NFC's top seed after adding another loss to the defending NFC champions' mounting tally.

Detroit improved to 14-2 and will carry momentum into next week's critical game against Minnesota for the NFC's top seed.

The Detroit Lions finally got revenge on the San Francisco 49ers on a day that Dan Campbell decided to play his starters to move to 14-2.

And don't be surprised if the Lions-Vikings winner-take-all finale smashes the Sunday Night Football high mark for this year, either.

The Detroit Lions have a short week to prepare for a pivotal matchup against Minnesota, and they will not complain about that fact.

The Detroit Lions could have rested their starters on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers with the knowledge that it's a Week 18 tilt with the Minnesota Vikings that will determine the NFC North and the conference's top seed. The San Francisco 49ers, already eliminated from playoff contention, could have also played out the string.

The Arizona Cardinals will host the San Francisco 49ers Sunday afternoon at State Farm Stadium to close out the season but will not face quarterback Brock Purdy. He has been ruled out of the finale with an elbow injury he sustained Monday night against the Detroit Lions.

The San Francisco 49ers may not be aiming to rest players in Week 18 even with the postseason out of the picture, but they may not have a choice given some of their injury issues. One player who should be healthy after not showing up on the practice participation

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner speaks with the media following practice Wednesday at Levis Stadium.Warner on how 49ers will remain motivated for Week 18 game vs. Cardinals originally appea