Detroit Lions (12-5) – Minnesota Vikings (7-10): 30-20
They finished the game with fewer yards, fewer first attempts, and time of possession clearly to their disadvantage. However, the Lions never trembled in this meeting. More in control, more sure of their game, the locals were in the lead from start to finish. In a chair, Jared Goff (23/32, 320 yards, 2TDs) made Amon-Ra St-Brown (7 receptions, 144 yards, 1TD) shine.
For his part, Nick Mullens (30/44, 396 yards, 2Tds, 2int) had an illusion for a long time before cracking. However, he was well helped by Justin Jefferson (12 receptions, 192 yards, 1TD), once again monstrous.
Detroit more efficient
At halftime, Minnesota held the ball for 19 minutes, compared to 11 for their opponent. The Vikings rushed for 202 yards to 154 for the Lions. And yet, it is the locals who have a comfortable lead at the end of the second quarter.
Detroit strikes quickly to take the lead. His second and third possessions ended with a touchdown. Without pressure, Goff distributes to his receivers and finds Sam LaPorta for first. The second is an achievement on the ground by Jahmyr Gibbs which allows his team to quickly take the lead, 13-0.
Manhandled, Minnesota managed as best they could to enter the Lions redzone. The purples will approach it twice, before being taken out by Aidan Hutchison and his friends. Unlike its evening counterpart, Nick Mullens is manhandled by the opposing pass-rush. Unlike their opponent, the Vikings are unable to finish and have to settle for field goals. At halftime, Minnesota held on, but trailed by a touchdown, 13-6 for the Lions.
The start of the third quarter once again illustrates the difference in efficiency between the two teams. While they are progressing well, the purple decide to try a 4&3 on the opposing 30 yards. Unpaid choice, since Powell is blocked one yard from the objective. On the next possession, the Lions found themselves in a similar situation. But Goff finds St-Brown, and this series ends with a touchdown on the ground from Montgomery.
Mullens finally broke down
After conceding four interceptions against these same Lions at Christmas, Nick Mullens was rather clean for 3 and a half quarters. Better, he ends up making his receivers shine at the end of the third/beginning of the fourth quarter. Trailing by 14 points, the Vikings did not give up. Led by Justin Jefferson as precious as ever, Minnesota finally finds the endzone and comes back to 7 points. The answer is not long in coming. It will only take two plays and a 70-yard reception from St-Brown for the locals to regain a comfortable lead.
AMON-RA ST. BROWN 70-YARD TD
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We then think, 14 minutes from the end of the match, that the hardest part is done for the Lions. It was without counting on Mullens. Tired, the local defense begins to leave spaces. Jordan Addison took the opportunity to bring his team back into the match with a 42-yard touchdown.
Trailing by 10 points, after a field goal from the Lions, the Vikings tried again to stay in the game, but this time Mullens was caught up by his old demons. The purple quarterback was intercepted twice, five and two minutes from the end of the game.
This time it ended well for Minnesota, a victory today would not have changed anything. The combined victories of the Saints and Buccaneers having put an end to the meager hopes of Vikings fans.
For the Lions, this victory allows them to still believe in second place in the NFC. They will have to hope for a defeat by the Cowboys and the Eagles. This also allows them to return to victory, after the cruel defeat in Dallas. A victory which could, however, cost Detroit dearly. Dan Campbell took the risk of playing the starters, and he paid off. Sam Laporta and Kalif Raymond both suffered knee injuries and could miss Detroit's return to the playoffs.
