Lions hold off Vikings, clinch NFC North

Field Level Media|published: Sun 24th December, 16:31 2023

Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs the ball as Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90) chases during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. credits: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns and the Detroit Lions clinched their first division title in 30 years by defeating the Minnesota Vikings 30-24 in Minneapolis Sunday.

Jared Goff passed for 257 yards and a touchdown as the Lions (11-4) secured the NFC North Division title and a home game in the opening round of the playoffs.

Amon-Ra St. Brown caught 12 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown.

Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens passed for 411 yards and two touchdowns but was also intercepted four times. Justin Jefferson caught six passes for 141 yards and a touchdown for the Vikings (7-8).

Minnesota tight end T.J. Hockenson missed the second half with a knee injury, while wideout Jordan Addison departed early with an ankle injury.

Detroit emerged from the first half with a 17-14 lead.

The Lions drove 75 yards on 14 plays during their first possession and David Montgomery scored on a 1-yard plunge.

Ty Chandler scored a rushing touchdown from two yards out on Minnesota's first drive.

Michael Badgley kicked a 37-yard field goal for Detroit with 5:05 left in the half.

Detroit's second interception of the game set up its next score. Gibbs scored on a 14-yard run with 1:48 left in the half.

The Vikings responded with a 75-yard drive. Mullens completed passes of 22 and 29 yards to Jefferson before the star receiver made a diving 26-yard reception in the end zone.

Minnesota gained a 21-17 lead early in the third quarter. Mullens connected with K.J. Osborn on a 6-yard scoring pass.

The Lions came right back up with a 13-play drive, completed by Goff's 1-yard touchdown pass to St. Brown. The extra point was blocked.

Gibbs scored on a 3-yard run with 11:07 remaining as Detroit took a 30-21 lead. Vikings kicker Greg Joseph hit a 26-yard field goal with 5:19 left to cut the Lions' lead to six.

Minnesota drove to the Detroit 30 on its last possession but Ifeatu Melifonwu stepped in front of Jefferson near the goal line and gathered in the clinching interception.

- Field Level Media