The Detroit Lions were able to hold off the Minnesota Vikings and hand them their first loss of the 2024 season. Detroit won on a last second kick 31-29, and moved to first place in the NFC North.
Jared Goff has been playing some of the best football of his career, and that carried on this week. He completed 22 of 25 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. He has played the main role in the Lions last three games.
The Lions also had a huge performance from Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs rushed 15 times for 116 yards and two touchdowns. He also hauled in four passes for 44 yards for the Lions.
Amon-Ra St. Brown played one of his best games of the season so far, catching all eight of his targets for 112 yards and a touchdown. The other Lions touchdown came off a 21 yard catch from Kalif Raymond.
After a quick 10-0 start, the Lions put up 21 points unanswered to go into halftime.The Vikings came back alive in the second half, and even took a lead after David Montgomery fumbled and Ivan Pace Jr. scooped it up and returned it for a 36 yard touchdown. They were unable to stop the Lions from driving, however, resulting in the game-losing field goal.
Sam Darnold looked pretty good in the loss, completing 22 of his 27 passes for 259 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He also rushed the ball four times for 39 yards.
Aaron Jones looked strong off the bye week, rushing for 94 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Jones also caught three passes for 23 yards. He got injured in London two weeks ago, but anyone watching was not able to tell that today.
Justin Jefferson led the Vikings receivers, tallying 81 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. He hauled in multiple impressive catches and kept them in the game. Jalen Nailor also had an impressive game, catching four passes for 76 yards.
Rookie kicker Will Reichard continued a perfect start to his career, connecting on all three field goals, including a 57 yarder. Reichard is a perfect 12-for-12 on attempts, and 18-for-18 on extra points.
If this game was any sign of what is to come in the NFC North, we are in for a very fun season. Currently, the Lions stand at the top of the division with a 5-1 record, followed by the Vikings who are also 5-1, then the Packers at 5-2, and the Bears at 4-2. All of these teams have looked very impressive, and the division looks to be the best in the NFL. The Lions will look to win their fifth straight game next week against the Titans, while the Vikings will travel to Las Angeles to play the Rams on Thursday Night Football.