DETROIT — In the Detroit Lions' biggest December home game since 2017, and in front of a sellout crowd at Ford Field, the team denied the Minnesota Vikings a chance to claim the NFC North crown, while bolstering their own playoff hopes.
The Lions received critical contributions in all three phases to knock off the division-leading Vikings, getting revenge for a loss earlier in the season. Quarterback Jared Goff threw a pair of long touchdown passes, the defense forced a turnover in the red zone, and a successful fake punt fueled the 34-23 victory on Sunday, which was sealed with a pass to offensive tackle Penei Sewell in the closing minutes.
The win was Detroit's fifth in the past six games, improving the team to 6-7 on the year. In the NFC playoff race, they gained a game on the New York Giants (7-5-1), who were blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles. It marked the seventh time the Lions scored at least 30 points in a game this season.
