Detroit took down the Vikings 31-9 and claimed the NFC's bye, which sent Minnesota (as a 14-win team) to Los Angeles for a wild-card game against the Rams that they lost 27-9. That winner-take-all game between the Vikings and Lions sparked plenty of debate on whether wild-card teams with better records should have to play on the road in their first playoff game.

McCarthy won a National Championship with the Michigan Wolverines in 2023 before being selected 10th overall in the 2024 Draft. The heir apparent in Kevin O’Connell’s QB-friendly offense, McCarthy was sidelined for his entire rookie campaign with a torn meniscus.