Vikings outlast Seahawks, stay tied atop NFC North

Field Level Media|published: Sun 22nd December, 19:32 2024

Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks cornerback Coby Bryant (8) during a run play in the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Sam Darnold threw a 39-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline to Justin Jefferson with 3:51 remaining as the Minnesota Vikings rallied for a 27-24 victory against the host Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

The pass capped a four-play, 70-yard drive that took just 30 seconds after Seattle's Geno Smith threw a 4-yard scoring pass to backup tight end AJ Barner to give the Seahawks their first lead of the afternoon.

Seattle's Jason Myers came up just short on a 60-yard field-goal attempt with 1:55 left that would have tied the score. The Seahawks got the ball back with 55 seconds remaining, but Theo Jackson sealed the game with an interception on a deep pass intended for Seattle's DK Metcalf on first down.

The Vikings (13-2) won their eighth game in a row and remained tied with Detroit atop the NFC North. The Seahawks (8-7) lost their second straight and dropped a game behind the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West.

Darnold completed 22 of 35 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns, two to Jefferson -- who had 10 catches for 144 yards. Aaron Jones rushed for a game-high 67 yards on 18 carries.

Smith completed 31 of 43 passes for 314 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, with Jaxon Smith-Njibga making eight catches for 95 yards.

Minnesota led 17-14 at the half.

The Vikings scored on the game's opening possession, with Darnold throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Addison.

Seattle tied it early in the second as Smith hit Metcalf with a 25-yard scoring strike in the back-right corner of the end zone.

The Vikings regained the lead on a 14-yard pass from Darnold to Jefferson, also to the back-right corner of the end zone.

Will Reichard kicked a 52-yard field goal to put Minnesota up 17-7, before Smith hit Smith-Njigba with an 18-yard scoring strike with 20 seconds left in the half.

The teams traded field goals in the third quarter, with Myers converting from 43 yards on the opening drive of the half before Reichard kicked a 48-yarder to give the Vikings a 20-17 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

--Field Level Media

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