The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry in the NFC North, with each game bringing intense competition and standout performances. Their most recent clash on January 5, 2025, at Ford Field ended with a decisive 31-9 victory for the Lions, securing them the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. This article breaks down the key player stats from that game, offering an easy-to-read analysis for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the numbers, we’ve got you covered with clear insights and a human touch. Let’s dive into the stats and see who shined, who struggled, and what it all means for this historic rivalry.
Game Overview: Lions Roar to Victory
The Lions dominated the Vikings in this crucial Week 18 matchup, clinching the NFC North title for the second straight year. Jahmyr Gibbs was the star of the show, tying a franchise record with four touchdowns, three of which came in the second half. The Vikings, despite entering the game with 14 wins, couldn’t keep up, plagued by mistakes and a lackluster offensive performance. Let’s break down the individual player stats to understand how the game unfolded.
Key Player Performances: Detroit Lions
Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back)
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Rushing: 22 carries, 136 yards, 3 touchdowns
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Receiving: 4 receptions, 42 yards, 1 touchdown
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Impact: Gibbs was the heartbeat of Detroit’s offense. His explosive runs and ability to find the end zone four times (three rushing, one receiving) overwhelmed Minnesota’s defense. His 10-yard touchdown catch on a fourth-and-2 play in the third quarter was a turning point, giving the Lions a 17-9 lead they never relinquished. Gibbs’ performance earned him high praise, with analysts noting his speed and vision as critical to Detroit’s success.
Jared Goff (Quarterback)
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Passing: 22/30, 245 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
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Impact: Goff was efficient and composed, making key throws when it mattered most. His 19- and 11-yard passes just before halftime set up a crucial field goal, helping Detroit maintain momentum. Goff’s ability to manage the game and avoid turnovers kept the Vikings’ defense on its heels. His chemistry with his receivers, especially in the second half, was evident as the Lions pulled away.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Wide Receiver)
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Receiving: 7 receptions, 89 yards
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Impact: St. Brown was Goff’s go-to target, consistently finding open spaces against Minnesota’s secondary. While he didn’t score, his ability to move the chains on third downs kept drives alive. His reliable hands and route-running made him a constant threat, even in a game dominated by Gibbs.
Defensive Standouts
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Za’Darius Smith (Defensive End): 5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss
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Kerby Joseph (Safety): 6 tackles, 1 interception
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Impact: The Lions’ defense was relentless, limiting the Vikings to just nine points. Smith’s pressure on Sam Darnold disrupted Minnesota’s rhythm, while Joseph’s interception in the third quarter killed a promising Vikings drive. The defense’s ability to force punts and create turnovers was pivotal in securing the rout.
Key Player Performances: Minnesota Vikings
Sam Darnold (Quarterback)
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Passing: 18/29, 201 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception
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Impact: Darnold had a rough night, struggling to find a rhythm against Detroit’s aggressive defense. His interception to Joseph was a momentum-killer, and his two incomplete passes on fourth-and-goal attempts showed his difficulty under pressure. Despite a solid completion rate, Darnold couldn’t connect on deep passes, limiting the Vikings’ offense.
Aaron Jones (Running Back)
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Rushing: 15 carries, 62 yards
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Receiving: 3 receptions, 28 yards
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Impact: Jones was Minnesota’s primary offensive weapon, but he couldn’t break free for big gains. Detroit’s front seven bottled him up, and his longest run was just 12 yards. While he showed toughness, the lack of explosive plays kept the Vikings’ ground game in check.
Justin Jefferson (Wide Receiver)
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Receiving: 5 receptions, 74 yards
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Impact: Jefferson, one of the NFL’s elite receivers, was targeted often but couldn’t fully take over the game. Detroit’s secondary, led by Joseph, kept him from breaking free for a touchdown. His 74 yards were respectable, but the Vikings needed more from their star to keep pace with Detroit’s offense.
Defensive Struggles
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Andrew Van Ginkel (Defensive End): 4 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 dropped interception
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Impact: Van Ginkel’s dropped pick-six in the fourth quarter was a critical moment. Had he held on, the Vikings might have tied the game at 17-17. Instead, Gibbs scored shortly after, pushing the lead to 24-9. The Vikings’ defense struggled to contain Gibbs and allowed too many big plays in the second half.
Special Teams and Coaching Decisions
Special Teams
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Lions: Jake Bates was perfect, hitting a crucial field goal before halftime to give Detroit a 10-6 lead. The Lions also capitalized on a Vikings’ special teams mistake when Minnesota kicked out of bounds, giving Detroit prime field position.
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Vikings: Will Reichard made a field goal but missed another late in the third quarter, a costly error that kept Minnesota from closing the gap. The out-of-bounds kickoff was another self-inflicted wound.
Coaching
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Lions: Dan Campbell’s aggressive play-calling paid off, especially on fourth downs. His decision to go for it on fourth-and-2 led to Gibbs’ 10-yard touchdown. Campbell’s trust in his offense and defense set the tone for the rout.
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Vikings: Kevin O’Connell’s decisions to go for it on fourth-and-goal twice instead of taking easy field goals backfired. Both attempts failed, costing Minnesota points and momentum. The Vikings’ coaching staff was outmaneuvered in the second half.
Statistical Comparison: Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats
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Category |
Lions |
Vikings |
|---|---|---|
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Total Yards |
387 | 263 |
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Passing Yards |
245 | 201 |
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Rushing Yards |
142 | 62 |
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First Downs |
22 | 15 |
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Turnovers |
0 | 1 |
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Time of Possession |
34:12 | 25:48 |
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Third Down Conversion |
7/12 | 4/11 |
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Fourth Down Conversion |
2/2 | 0/2 |
The Lions’ dominance in total yards, time of possession, and third-down efficiency highlights their control of the game. The Vikings’ inability to convert on fourth downs and their lone turnover were decisive factors in the 31-9 final score.
Historical Context: The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Rivalry
The Vikings lead the all-time series against the Lions 80-45-2, but recent games have been competitive. The January 5, 2025, game marked Detroit’s second straight win over Minnesota, following a 30-20 victory on January 7, 2024. The Lions’ recent success, driven by players like Gibbs and Goff, suggests they’re closing the gap in this historic rivalry.
Past Notable Performances
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January 7, 2024: Lions won 30-20, with Jared Goff throwing for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns.
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October 20, 2024: The Lions won 31-29, with Gibbs rushing for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns.
These games show Detroit’s growing offensive firepower, with Gibbs emerging as a key difference-maker in 2025.
Why the Lions Won
The Lions’ victory came down to three factors:
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Jahmyr Gibbs’ Explosiveness: His four touchdowns and 178 total yards overwhelmed Minnesota’s defense.
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Defensive Pressure: Detroit’s defense, led by Smith and Joseph, disrupted Darnold and limited the Vikings to nine points.
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Vikings’ Mistakes: Minnesota’s missed field goal, dropped interception, and special teams errors handed Detroit opportunities they capitalized on.
The Vikings, despite their 14-3 record, couldn’t match Detroit’s intensity. Their aggressive fourth-down calls backfired, and Darnold’s off night sealed their fate as the NFC’s No. 5 seed.
What’s Next for Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Both Teams?
Detroit Lions
With the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage, the Lions are poised for a deep playoff run. Gibbs’ emergence as a star and Goff’s steady play make them a formidable opponent. Their next challenge will be in the Divisional Round, where they’ll face the lowest remaining seed at Ford Field.
Minnesota Vikings
As the No. 5 seed, the Vikings face a tough road playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the loss, their 14-3 season was a remarkable turnaround, with Darnold proving himself as a starter and Jefferson remaining a top-tier receiver. If they can clean up their mistakes, they’re still a dangerous team.
Fan Takeaways: Why This Game Matters
For Lions fans, this win was a statement. Securing the No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history is a testament to their growth under Dan Campbell. Gibbs’ record-tying performance and the defense’s dominance show they’re ready for the playoffs.
For Vikings fans, the loss stings, but the season was a success. A 14-3 record and a wildcard berth exceed expectations for a team many doubted. If Darnold and Jefferson can rebound, Minnesota could make noise in the postseason.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats on January 5, 2025, was a showcase of individual brilliance and team execution. Jahmyr Gibbs stole the spotlight with four touchdowns, while Jared Goff and the Lions’ defense outplayed their counterparts. The Vikings, despite strong seasons from Darnold and Jefferson, couldn’t overcome their mistakes. This game will be remembered as a defining moment in the Lions’ rise and a learning experience for the Vikings. For fans, the stats tell a story of dominance, resilience, and the enduring fire of an NFC North rivalry.
