The Detroit Lions finally did it. Not only did they clinch their spot in the playoffs, but they won the NFC North division. This was their first division title since 1993 back when it was called the NFC Central. They got the job done after defeating the Minnesota Vikings 30-24. This was also the first time they beat the Vikings in Minnesota in six years.
Game Recap
The Lions and Vikings both came into the game with major playoff implications on the line. The Lions needed to win to clinch a playoff spot and the division. The Vikings needed to win to keep their playoff hopes alive and potentially control the division.
With Kirk Cousins out for the season, Minnesota has had to rotate different quarterbacks. Nick Mullens got the start for the second time this season.
Despite the Vikings not being at full strength, they gave the Lions a run for their money. Detroit scored first with a touchdown, but Minnesota immediately answered back with a touchdown of their own.
Lions regained and extended their lead before the Vikings answered back with a crazy throw to Justin Jefferson for the touchdown to cut the lead to three heading into halftime. They got the ball to start the second half and immediately scored to take the lead for the first time.
The Lions answered back to retake the lead, and they never looked back. While the Vikings had plenty of opportunities to regain the momentum and swing the game back in their favor, they simply could not get out of their way.
The turnovers were the ultimate difference in the game, as the Lions intercepted the Vikings four times. The Lions only had one turnover (fumble by Gibbs), which was quickly shaken off thanks to Mullens giving the ball right back to Detroit by throwing an interception on the next play.
The Vikings had a chance to win the game thanks to a crazy catch by Justin Jefferson on 3rd and 27 that put them in Lions’ territory. But Mullens threw his fourth interception to safety Ifeatu Melifonwu on a pass that was intended for Jefferson right in the endzone, and that effectively ended the game.
Jared Goff finished with 30 completions out of 40 attempts for 257 yards and a touchdown. Jahmyr Gibbs had 15 carries for 80 yards and two touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown finished with 12 receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown.
Despite the loss, Justin Jefferson had one of his best games of the season. He finished with 6 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. This was his first game with at least 100 yards since Week 3. It is safe to say he has been missed dearly and he is the go-to guy when a play needs to be made.
What’s Next?
Now that Detroit is officially in the playoffs, they will be hosting a home playoff game. They currently sit at the number two seed in the conference, and could potentially have a chance at the number one seed. Their next game is against the Dallas Cowboys, which could have major implications for the seedings in the NFC conference.
Despite the loss, the Vikings are not out of the playoff hunt just yet. They may have lost the division title, but they can still get one of the final Wild Card spots. Their final two games of the season are against their own divisional opponents: Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. They currently sit 7-8 along with the Green Bay Packers.
Photo Courtesy: Abbie Parr from AP
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