The Detroit Lions entered Thursday night needing to win out to keep their playoff hopes alive and return to the postseason for a third consecutive year. Instead, their season came to an abrupt end at the hands of a Minnesota Vikings team that had already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Powered by a relentless defensive performance, the Vikings defeated the Lions 23–10, improving to 8–8 and extending their winning streak to four games. Detroit also fell to 8–8 with the loss and was officially eliminated from playoff contention. Minnesota accomplished the victory despite starting rookie quarterback Max Brosmer for just the second time, with J.J. McCarthy sidelined.
Minnesota’s defense was the story of the night. The unit recorded five sacks and forced a season-high six turnovers, overwhelming Detroit quarterback Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel recovered two fumbles, while Goff himself lost three fumbles and threw two interceptions. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs accounted for the sixth turnover with a fumble of his own.
Detroit’s struggles began early. After a bad snap, Van Ginkel recovered the loose ball to give Minnesota excellent field position. Running back Aaron Jones capitalized shortly afterward, scoring on a short rushing touchdown to give the Vikings a 7–0 lead.
The Lions eventually responded with an impressive, methodical drive. Detroit put together a 19-play possession that lasted more than 10 minutes of game time, featuring several key receptions by Amon-Ra St. Brown. The drive ended with Goff throwing a fourth-down touchdown pass to rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa, tying the game at 7–7.
Momentum quickly swung back in Minnesota’s favor. Goff threw an interception that set up a 52-yard field goal by Will Reichard, giving the Vikings a 10–7 lead midway through the third quarter. On the Lions’ next possession, Vikings safety Harrison Smith intercepted Goff on the first play of the drive. Reichard again delivered, drilling a 56-yard field goal to extend Minnesota’s lead to 13–7 late in the third quarter.
Detroit’s quarterback unraveled as the game wore on. Goff committed three turnovers on three consecutive drives, including a strip-sack by Van Ginkel and rookie Dallas Turner. Defensive lineman Jalen Redmond recovered that fumble, putting Minnesota in favorable field position once again, though the Vikings were unable to capitalize with points on that drive.
Despite having just 75 total yards of offense late in the fourth quarter, Minnesota delivered the game’s decisive play. Wide receiver Jordan Addison took an end-around and broke free for a 65-yard rushing touchdown, stunning Detroit and pushing the Vikings’ lead to 20–10 with under four minutes remaining.
Minnesota sealed the win from there, closing out a game defined by defensive dominance and Detroit’s offensive miscues. Goff finished 18-of-29 for 197 yards and one touchdown, but his five turnovers proved too costly. Brosmer, meanwhile, managed the game effectively despite being sacked seven times, completing 9 of 16 passes for 51 yards with no turnovers.
The loss officially ends Detroit’s season. The Lions will finish the year on the road next week against division rival Chicago Bears. Minnesota, riding unexpected late-season momentum, will host another NFC North opponent, the Green Bay Packers, in its regular-season finale.