The regular-season finale between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings could shape not only the NFC playoff picture but also the Coach of the Year race at the NFL Honors in February.

Next Sunday’s divisional clash at Ford Field — with the NFC North crown and the conference’s No. 1 seed on the line — may decide whether Detroit’s Dan Campbell or Minnesota’s Kevin O’Connell takes home the award.

O’Connell enters Week 18 as the clear favorite with odds of -1600 on BetMGM and FanDuel. while Campbell trail at +750. Both teams are tied at 14-2 after Week 17 wins: Minnesota edged Green Bay 27-25 on Sunday, and Detroit secured a 40-34 victory over San Francisco on Monday night, a rematch of last season’s NFC Championship.

The Lions’ and Vikings’ success is rooted in outstanding play, particularly on offense, but the coaching efforts of Campbell and O’Connell stand out as equally pivotal.

Making the case for O’Connell

O’Connell navigated Minnesota through significant early challenges, including losing rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy before the season and starting offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw to an ACL and MCL injury after just seven games. Despite those setbacks, O’Connell has orchestrated the NFL’s fifth-best passing offense, averaging 243.8 yards per game.

At the heart of that success is veteran quarterback Sam Darnold, who has flourished under O’Connell’s system with career-best numbers: 4,153 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. If Minnesota wins Sunday’s high-stakes game, it would secure their first 15-win season in 26 years and solidify O’Connell as a strong contender for Coach of the Year.

Why Campbell could have the edge

Yet Detroit’s season under Campbell’s leadership may provide an even stronger argument, regardless of Sunday’s outcome.

The Lions have already set a franchise record with 14 wins and are within reach of adding another milestone. Detroit leads the NFL in scoring offense (33.3 points per game) and ranks second in total yards (410.5 per game).

Campbell and his staff has also reignited the career of Pro Bowl quarterback Jared Goff. While Goff has slipped out of MVP discussions, he’s delivering one of the best seasons of his career, with 4,398 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. On Monday, he joined Tom Brady as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to post a 75% completion rate in eight games during a single season (minimum 15 attempts).

Detroit’s offensive firepower has been second to none. The Lions are the first team in NFL history to have two running backs — David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs — and two wide receivers — Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams — each surpass 1,000 scrimmage yards in a single season.

While offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has earned widespread credit, Campbell’s fingerprints are all over the Lions’ identity and game plan.

Triumph amid adversity could be the deal breaker

Detroit’s defensive struggles only strengthen Campbell’s case. The Lions’ defense has been ravaged by injuries, with as many as 16 players on injured reserve at one point. Despite losing key starters Aidan Hutchinson, Derrick Barnes, Alim McNeill, Carlton Davis and Alex Anzalone, Campbell’s leadership has ensured the Lions’ defense coordinator Aaron Glenn remains resilient under pressure.

While we won’t know the Coach of the Year winner for several weeks, Sunday’s showdown at Ford Field provides a stage for Campbell and O’Connell to make their final cases for the coveted honor.

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