Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings: Full Game Stats and Top Players in Easy Words

The Detroit Lions played against the Minnesota Vikings in an exciting NFL game on January 5, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit.
It was one of the most talked-about matches of the season. The Lions won 31 9 and proved again why they are one of the best teams in the NFC this year.

This article gives you all the important information about the game, team stats, and player performances. It is written in simple, clear English so everyone can understand it easily.

1. Game Overview

The Detroit Lions finished their regular season strong with a 31 9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
This win gave the Lions the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, meaning they would rest in the first round and play at home during the playoffs.

The Vikings, on the other hand, had a tough time moving the ball. Their offense could not score a single touchdown. Most of their points came from field goals.

The Lions looked confident, fast, and ready for the postseason.

2. Final Score

Detroit Lions: 31
Minnesota Vikings: 9

The Lions scored in every quarter and never looked in danger of losing. They controlled the pace of the game and used their strong running and passing balance to dominate.

3. Team Stats at a Glance

Category	Detroit Lions	Minnesota Vikings
Total Plays	66	62
Total Yards	394	262
Yards per Play	6.0	4.2
Passing Yards	216	142
Rushing Yards	178	120
Turnovers	2	1
Time of Possession	32:45	27:15

These numbers show that Detroit was better both in the air and on the ground. The Lions’ defense also did a great job keeping the Vikings from scoring touchdowns.

4. Star Player: Jahmyr Gibbs

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs was the biggest star of the game. He had one of the best performances of his young career.

Rushing yards: 139
Receiving yards: 31
Total touchdowns: 4 (three rushing, one receiving)

Gibbs showed amazing speed and balance. Every time he touched the ball, he made something happen. His performance gave the Lions the energy they needed to finish the game strong.

5. Jared Goff’s Smart Leadership

Quarterback Jared Goff led the team with calm and focus.
He completed 27 of 33 passes for 231 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Even though he made a few mistakes, Goff managed the game well and spread the ball to different players. His short and medium throws helped keep the Vikings’ defense on the field.

6. Detroit Defense Stays Strong

The Lions’ defense was also very important in this win. They stopped the Vikings again and again, especially on third downs.

Sam Darnold, the Vikings’ quarterback, completed only 18 of 41 passes for 166 yards.
The Lions’ pass rush made him uncomfortable all game.
Minnesota could not score an offensive touchdown.

Players like Aidan Hutchinson and Brian Branch made key tackles and kept pressure on Darnold the entire game.

The defense also gave the offense good field position, which helped Detroit score easily.

7. Minnesota Vikings Struggle on Offense

The Vikings’ main problem was their lack of rhythm on offense.
They moved the ball at times, but they could not finish drives with touchdowns.

Rushing leader: Ty Chandler (83 yards)
Top receiver: Justin Jefferson (5 receptions, 64 yards)
Quarterback: Sam Darnold (166 yards, no TDs, one interception)

Without consistent passing and strong red-zone plays, the Vikings had to settle for field goals.

8. Key Moments in the Game

First Quarter: Jahmyr Gibbs ran for a touchdown to give the Lions an early lead.
Second Quarter: Jared Goff found Gibbs again for a short touchdown catch.
Third Quarter: Detroit’s defense forced a turnover that set up another Gibbs touchdown run.
Fourth Quarter: The Lions ran down the clock with strong runs, keeping Minnesota’s offense off the field.

Each of these moments showed how balanced Detroit was. They scored with both passing and running plays, while their defense stayed tough all game.

9. What This Win Means for the Lions

This game was very special for the Lions and their fans.
It marked the first time in decades that Detroit finished the regular season as the top seed in the NFC.

Coach Dan Campbell’s team played with great spirit and teamwork. With young stars like Gibbs and veteran leaders like Goff, the Lions look ready to make a deep playoff run.

10. Lessons for the Vikings

For the Minnesota Vikings, this game showed they need more balance and better protection for their quarterback.
Their defense tried hard, but without offensive help, it was not enough.

Coach Kevin O’Connell will have to fix offensive problems and find new ways to use star receiver Justin Jefferson more effectively in future games.

11. Fans’ Reactions

Fans of both teams shared their thoughts on social media after the game.
Detroit fans celebrated the win and praised Gibbs for his amazing performance. Many called him the “future of the franchise.”

Vikings fans, meanwhile, expressed frustration about the team’s weak offense but also said they hoped next season would bring new energy and better results.

12. Final Thoughts

The Lions vs Vikings match was a great example of how teamwork, balance, and good coaching can make a difference.
Detroit dominated both on offense and defense. The Vikings had a few good plays but could not stop the Lions’ momentum.

This game will be remembered for Jahmyr Gibbs’ outstanding performance and Detroit’s historic top-seed finish in the NFC.

If the Lions continue to play like this, they might go all the way to the Super Bowl.

✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When was the Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings game played?
It was played on January 5, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit.

2. What was the final score?
Detroit Lions 31, Minnesota Vikings 9.

3. Who was the best player of the game?
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs was the star with 170 total yards and 4 touchdowns.

4. How did Jared Goff perform?
He completed 27 of 33 passes for 231 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions.

5. Did the Vikings score any touchdowns?
No, they only scored field goals and no offensive touchdowns.

6. How many rushing yards did the Lions have?
The Lions finished with 178 rushing yards.

7. What did this win mean for Detroit?
It gave them the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs and home-field advantage.

8. Who led the Vikings in rushing?
Ty Chandler led with 83 yards.

9. What were the total yards for both teams?
Lions 394 yards, Vikings 262 yards.

10. Where can I find the full stats?
Full player and team stats are available on ESPN, AP News, and Reuters sports pages.

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