The Vikings completed the first part of their three-week final test with their 27-24 victory over the Seahawks on Sunday, and it was a noble and meaningful performance against an opponent that desperately needed the game.

There is every reason for the Vikings to be pleased with their performance and results, but the reality is that the next two weeks will be much more difficult.

The Vikings are fighting for the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. If they are successful and can extend their winning streak to 10 games, they will receive a bye in the Wild Card round of the playoffs and also have home field advantage in the postseason.

To get that reward, they must beat the Packers at home on Sunday and then travel to Detroit in the final week of the season and beat this formidable team.

This is no longer a nice story about a team that exceeded expectations this season. This story ended a few weeks ago because the Vikings have a complete team that fits together well. When the offense isn’t at its best, the defense takes responsibility and finds a way to make crucial plays. When the defense takes a break, the offense comes through with game-winning plays.

In the win over Seattle, both sides delivered crucial plays. Quarterback Sam Darnold stepped up late in the fourth quarter and threw a dart to Justin Jefferson. The superstar wideout beat two Seattle defenders and caught the go-ahead 39-yard TD pass.

“There wasn’t really a guy — and I know I’m not just speaking for myself — (who didn’t think) we were going to go down and score a touchdown,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “And I think the level of trust that this group has in their quarterback and the level of trust that the quarterback has in the 10 guys in the huddle is significant.

Andrew Van Ginkel scored a crucial sack on Geno Smith on the ensuing series, leading to an unsuccessful 60-yard field goal attempt that would have tied the game. Theo Jackson secured the victory with an interception on Seattle’s final possession.

For the Vikings, both sides of the ball work together

There is harmony on the pitch and in the dressing room and O’Connell deserves full credit for building that unity. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores put together a defense that had several great moments throughout the year and far exceeded their talent level.

The final two weeks of the season represent the Vikings’ biggest test of the year. Despite sitting third in the division, the Packers may be in the best shape of any NFC North team. Jordan Love is a meaningful quarterback, Josh Jacobs is a game-changing running back, and the receiving corps is loaded with speed and big-play ability.

Unlike previous seasons, the Packers have a defense that can take over a game in the second half. Green Bay has the 8th^ThThe highest defense in the league as it allows 20.5 points per game and is 9 points^Th in yards allowed at 321.8 per game. Defensive tackle Rashan Gary has 6.5 sacks and is the key to the pass rush, while safety Xavier McKinney has seven game-winning interceptions, nine passes defended and 75 tackles.

It will take their best performance of the season to beat the Packers. The Vikings won the first meeting in Week 4 in Lambeau when they got off to a great start and held on, but this time the Vikings won’t surprise the Packers. They’ll get Green Bay’s best performance.

The Lions were overwhelmed by defensive injuries that would reduce most teams to quivering jelly. That didn’t happen with Dan Campbell’s team. He put together the bravest and strongest team in the league.

The Lions have the league’s most relentless offensive team, with Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown starring. They need to be at their best with DE Aidan Hutchinson (broken leg), DT Alim McNeill (knee, ACL), DT Kyle Peko (pec), DE Marcus Davenport (triceps), LB Malcolm Rodriguez (knee, ACL) and CB Khalil Dorsey (Ankle) won’t be able to play.

Despite these injuries, the Lions play with an intensity that few teams can match. If the season finale turns out to be what it looks like, the Vikings will have to show that they can reach this level.

If they succeed, the Vikings could reach the promised land.