Detroit Lions (15-2) – Minnesota Vikings (14-3): 31-4
Jamhyr Gibbs scored 4 touchdowns to help the Lions dispose of the Vikings. A victory which gives Detroit first place in the NFC conference. If the runner had to pull out all the stops, it's because the big offensive duel did not take place. In any case not on the Minnesota side, and very late for Detroit.
While both teams missed a lot of opportunities during two and a half quarters, the Lions woke up to their basics in the third period: a rhythmic offensive of 70 yards and more than seven minutes, with eight successful passes in as many attempts for Jared Goff (27/33, 231 yards, 1 TD, 2 int). And risk-taking! Because it is on a 4th & 2 that the quarterback finds Gibbs for the touchdown which widens the gap (17-9).
A possession that puts Detroit back on track. While the Vikings miss a field goal in the process, the locals roll. Gibbs finds the end zone on the two attacks that follow to leave the purples KO.
Sam Darnold not in his right mind
Two punts and a failure on fourth attempt. It wasn't really the expected start to the match for the Vikings. And even when the defense intercepts Jared Goff in the Lions' half, Sam Darnold (18/41, 166 yards) does not take advantage, with three missed passes in a row for Justin Jefferson (3 rec, 54 yards)! Minnesota must settle for a field goal. Then another before the break. Thin booty.
The good news is that the Lions are not doing any better. Jamhyr Gibbs (23 races, 139 yards, 3 TDs – 5 rec, 31 yards, 1 TD) found the fault for the first touchdown of the match in the first quarter (7-0), but the locals also lacked success. They also punt twice and fail on a fourth. A field goal allows them to lead 10-6 at the break.
The Lions wake up, not the Vikings
The difference is that after the break, the Lions' perseverance finally paid off. But only after Goff's second interception. Here again, Minnesota does not take advantage, with only one kick behind (10-9).
This is where Gibbs and the Motor City attack start to roar again to definitively put away the Vikings who are not very conquering this Sunday. With only 262 yards gained and 0/4 in the red zone, Sam Darnold and his attack missed their big meeting.
This grand finale of the regular season therefore offers first place in the NFC conference and a week of rest to Dan Campbell's Lions. Kevin O'Connell and his Vikings will have to travel to the Rams for the first round of the playoffs.
