Minnesota Vikings (5-1) – Detroit Lions (5-1): 29-31
Who could have predicted a couple of years ago that Jared Goff and Sam Darnold would be the biggest scarecrows in the race for MVP in 2024. The two quarterbacks once again produced a remarkable performance. They further cement their position in the race for the best player in the championship, even if one of the two has done a little better.
The divisional duel between Vikings and Lions was a spectacle of beauty. Each man knew how to play his part to offer a real battle of the North. The storyline kept all football lovers in suspense. And the final decision establishes a real rivalry between two franchises which are definitely playing in the playoffs.
MVP fight
Jared Goff (20/23, 250 yards, 2 touchdowns) gave everyone a football lesson. Always accompanied by an efficient ground game (148 yards, 2 touchdowns) and his favorite target, Amon-Ra St. Brown (7 receptions, 98 yards, 2 touchdowns), he dissected a defense among the best on this start seasonal. In the first half, the former Rams was simply perfect. He didn't miss any attempts and found his favorite receiver on two consecutive long passes to finish in the scoring zone. Thanks to him the score was already built in the middle of the second quarter (10-14).
Jared continues his Herculean labors. He manipulates the pocket, avoids sacks and fumbles. He remains focused on his receivers and finds Tim Patrick in a complicated situation then connects with Kalif Raymond (WR) for the touchdown and leaves the opponents at bay after the second quarter (28-17). Regression for Goff who misses his targets three times during the second half.
Sam Darnold (21/25, 239 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception) had more varied fortunes. However, everything started well. From the start of the encounter, Darnold launches lasers towards his targets. Justin Jefferson (7 receptions, 81 yards, 1 touchdown) obviously catches everything that comes within his reach. The attack nevertheless stumbles in the scoring zone. Sam and Justin, Justin and Sam. The two galactic thieves provide the spectacle of the second period. He finds himself in the in-goal area for the first time to pick up the score (17-21). Darnold leads two interesting series including one with a 50 yard pass to Jordan Addison, but the Vikings are satisfied with only three points each time. Six minutes from the end nothing is decided (23-28).
Deadly sins
Both teams played very enjoyable football. Their record is an in no way overused witness. Nevertheless, we see on both sides here and there small personal errors which are also the charm of football and which overturn matches.
Dan Campbell (HC) is the first to commit a sin of pride. On his team's first series, the crazy coach calls a fake punt while in his camp and with a long distance to go. The Vikings defense is alert and stops the attempt. Aaron Jones (13 races, 92 yards, 1 touchdown) transforms the offering to open the scoring behind (7-0).
Lust is not to be pitied either. Jahmyr Gibbs (12 races, 98 yards, 2 touchdowns) took advantage of a small injury to his friend David Montgomery to take important carries. What he's doing to a few poor defenders certainly deserves a place in hell. For his team it's a one-way ticket to paradise with two touchdowns on the ground during the second quarter (10-21)
Sam Darnold turns more towards gluttony. The quarterback thinks Jalen Nailor is open but the demon Brian Branch emerges to steal the ball.
Absolute Dramaturgy
The lions are at range. The Vikings who have been stalking their prey since the second quarter smell the smell of blood. Jordan Metellus unleashes an explosive punch into David Montgomery's ball. The ball flies away, rolls and Ivan Pace, a fine sleuth, picks up the leather to return it to the in-goal. In 10 seconds the scenario changed. The lions go from hunted to hunter (29-28).
The defenses tighten up and the two quarterbacks miss their targets by a matter of millimeters. After an exchange of punts, the Lions have two minutes to force the decision. Jared Goff, again, releases Jahmyr Gibbs into space and throws a laser for Amon-Ra St. Brown. Jake Bates (K) frees the Lions with a 44-yard kick (29-31).
Detroit is back to level with Minnesota in the NFC North and in the entire conference. No one is undefeated in the NFC anymore. And the race for the playoffs is already taking on a special flavor between Minnesota and Michigan.
