Lions hold off Vikings' comeback for 30-24 win
get the free app
MINNEAPOLIS — The Detroit Lions clinched their first division title in 30 years, using two rushing touchdowns from Jahmyr Gibbs and 106 receiving yards and a third-quarter go-ahead score by Amon-Ra St. Brown to overtake the injury-ravaged Minnesota Vikings 30-24 on Sunday.
Ifeatu Melifonwu picked off Nick Mullens at the 5-yard line with 49 seconds left for Detroit's fourth interception of the game, an off-target pass to an open Justin Jefferson three plays after his leaping grab in double coverage on third-and-27 kept the last-minute drive alive.
Jared Goff passed for 257 yards without a turnover and David Montgomery had a rushing touchdown for the Lions (11-4) in another prolific performance by one of the NFL's most potent offenses. Detroit secured a home playoff game for the first time in 22 seasons at Ford Field, where an NFC North champions banner will soon hang. The last one was for winning the NFC Central in 1993.
READ MORE: Top 10 most Minnesota Vikings-esque Vikings stories of 2023
Mullens threw for two scores, a diving 26-yard catch by Jefferson with 29 seconds left in the first half and a 6-yard toss to K.J. Osborn that gave the Vikings a 21-17 lead early in the third quarter one play after a 47-yard heave to Osborn.
But like the week before in an overtime loss at Cincinnati, the turnovers weighed heavily on the outcome. Kerby Joseph's first of two picks gave the Lions the ball at the Minnesota 33 in the second quarter, and they reached the end zone in three plays.
Goff was sharp in a redemptive game for him against Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, whose schemes had given him plenty of trouble in previous matchups with New England and Miami when Goff was with the Los Angeles Rams, including Super Bowl 53.
Jefferson played at home for the first time since Oct. 8, when he hurt his hamstring and missed seven games, but the Vikings have had their depth tested more than ever. Wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle, second quarter), tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee, third quarter), cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (shoulder, third quarter) and edge rusher D.J. Wonnum (knee, fourth quarter) left with injuries.
The Vikings wore all-white uniforms as part of their annual winter-themed promotion, which fell on a 54-degrees-and-rainy afternoon outside U.S. Bank Stadium. That made the yellow flags on the field stand out even more, particularly during a pivotal sequence in the second quarter.
READ MORE: Vikings stadium gets approval for new turf that league deems less of an injury risk
One play after he sacked Goff for an 11-yard loss, Patrick Jones was called for a dubious roughing-the-passer penalty that made the Vikings livid. The crowd howled when Blackmon took a hand to the facemask that wasn't called.
Then later on that same drive, when Jordan Hicks hit Goff as he tried to let a pass go, the ball tumbled out and Cam Bynum scooped it up for what would have been an 82-yard touchdown return. The call was overturned to an incompletion, and the Lions continued on for a field goal.
FOR THE RECORD
Jefferson (5,648 in 58 games) passed Michael Thomas (5,512 in 63 games) for the most receiving yards in a player's first four seasons in history.
St. Brown (2022, 2023) joined Herman Moore (1995, 1996, 1997) as the only players in Lions history with multiple seasons of 100-plus receptions.
The Lions reached 11 wins for the first time in nine years. Their 20 victories since the start of the 2022 seasons are the most in franchise history in a two-year span.
INJURY REPORT
Lions: Joseph walked off woozily in the fourth quarter after an unnecessary roughness penalty on Jefferson during a 28-yard reception. Joseph tried to go back in two plays later, but the officials sent him back to the sideline. ... Backup Josh Paschal (hand) was hurt in the third quarter. ... LB Derrick Barnes (shoulder), CB Jerry Jacobs (hamstring) and backup TE Brock Wright (groin) were held out with injuries.
Vikings: Blackmon started in place of CB Byron Murphy (knee), who was hurt in the previous game. ... Backup WR Jalen Nailor (concussion) missed his second straight game. ... RB Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Hicks (shin) returned to the lineup from injuries.
UP NEXT
Lions: Visit Dallas next Saturday night.
Vikings: Host Green Bay next Sunday night.
Lions hold off Vikings' comeback for 30-24 win
The Vikings staged a furious comeback and had a chance to take the lead late, but Nick Mullens' fourth interception of the day sealed the Lions' win.
With a 30-24 victory, the Lions are the NFC North champions and the Vikings fall to 7-8. They are still alive in the playoff race, however.
Greg Joseph FG cuts Lions' lead to 6
The Vikings have made it a one-score game more than halfway through the fourth quarter.
A short field goal from Greg Joseph cut the Lions' lead to 30-24. There are under six minutes remaining.
Mullens throws 3rd pick on deep shot to Jefferson
The Vikings' comeback hopes look slim after Nick Mullens threw his third interception of the day.
Mullens overthrew Justin Jefferson on a deep shot and Lions safety Kerby Joseph grabbed his second pick of the day.
Lions extend lead to 30-21
Jahmyr Gibbs has his second touchdown of the day and the Lions have a 30-21 lead over the Vikings.
There are just over 11 minutes left for the Vikings to come back.
Vikings pass rusher D.J. Wonnum carted off
Another Vikings player has suffered a seemingly significant injury.
Edge rusher D.J. Wonnum was grabbing his left knee after going down on a 3rd and 8 play. He was carted off the field.
Lions take lead back on St. Brown TD
The Lions have taken the lead again with a touchdown from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The Vikings blocked the extra point attempt, but still trail 23-21.
Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson ruled out
The Minnesota Vikings lost two important offensive players during Sunday's game against Detroit as tight end T.J. Hockenson and receiver Jordan Addison left with injuries and the team announced they wouldn't return to the game.
Addison, the rookie, injured his ankle during an interception return by Lions safety Kerby Joseph in the second quarter. Hockenson sustained a knee injury on a third-quarter catch when Joseph dove toward his legs. Hockenson went to the medical tent before quickly being ruled out.
Hockenson leads the team with 91 catches entering the day and Addison was second with 62 receptions.
Vikings take 21-17 lead with 2 Osborn catches
Two big catches from K.J. Osborn — a 47-yard gain and, one play later, a short touchdown — have given the Vikings their first lead of the day. They're up 21-17 over the Lions.
Justin Jefferson TD cuts Lions' lead to 17-14
Three huge catches by Justin Jefferson have put the Vikings back in the game.
After a 22-yard catch earlier in the drive, Nick Mullens hit Jefferson for 29 yards on 3rd and 19.
Then, Jefferson adjusted in the end zone to make an impressive 26-yard touchdown catch.
With 29 seconds left in the first half, the Lions lead 17-14. The Vikings will get the ball to start the second half.
Jahmyr Gibbs TD gives Lions 17-7 lead
The Lions scored off of the Vikings' turnover. Jahmyr Gibbs took a handoff around the edge and into the end zone to give the Lions a 17-7 lead late in the first half.
Lions get another interception
Nick Mullens threw his second interception of the day on an attempted deep shot to Jordan Addison.
Safety Kerby Joseph jumped Addison's route for the pick.
Vikings defensive TD called back
The Vikings thought they had taken the lead on a Jared Goff fumble that safety Camryn Bynum returned for a touchdown, but upon review, it was ruled an incomplete pass.
Instead of a 14-7 lead, the Vikings trail 10-7 after a Lions field goal.
Mullens gives ball right back to Lions
After the Vikings defense forced a turnover, QB Nick Mullens gave it right back. On 3rd and 15, Mullens threw an interception when trying to hit WR Jordan Addison.
The Lions take over in their own territory.
Vikings recover Jahmyr Gibbs fumble
The Vikings' defense stepped up big on the Lions' second drive, forcing and recovering a Jahmyr Gibbs fumble.
The Vikings will take over in Lions territory.
Ty Chandler ties it 7-7 with rushing TD
It's been all offense so far. A couple of big plays got the Vikings into scoring range, and after a Lions penalty and dropped interception, running back Ty Chandler punched in the tying score.
It's 7-7 late in the first quarter.
Lions lead 7-0 after opening drive TD
The Lions' offense had no problem moving the ball on its opening drive.
Running back David Montgomery capped the drive with a touchdown. The Lions lead 7-0 midway through the first quarter.
Vikings missing key players vs. Lions
Some key Vikings players will be inactive on Christmas Eve.
Starting cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. is out, as well as right tackle Brian O'Neill.
Safety Lewis Cine, quarterback Joshua Dobbs, tight end Nick Muse, guard Chris Reed and wide receiver Jalen Nailor are also out.