MINNEAPOLIS — Jordan Addison took a jet sweep handoff 65 yards for the game-sealing touchdown with 3:43 left, capping the Minnesota Vikings’ 23-10 victory over the Detroit Lions on Thursday. The win was sealed after the Vikings forced six turnovers, effectively eliminating the Lions from playoff contention.
Veteran safety Harrison Smith, in his 14th year, played a key role by recording one of two interceptions and contributing to five sacks on Lions quarterback Jared Goff. The Vikings (8-8) secured their fourth straight win. Goff struggled throughout the game, being charged with three lost fumbles—once on a sack and twice due to errant snaps by backup center Kingsley Eguakun.
With this third consecutive loss, the Lions (8-8) saw the Green Bay Packers clinch at least a wild-card spot. The Packers also remain in contention to catch the Chicago Bears for the NFC North title, a division that Detroit had won the past two seasons and Minnesota the year before.
Last season, the Lions and Vikings combined for 29 wins, making this matchup a highlight on the NFL’s three-game Christmas Day showcase. However, injuries and other setbacks ended up sidelining both teams from playoff contention this year.
Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer started at quarterback for the Lions in place of the injured J.J. McCarthy. Meanwhile, the Vikings were missing starters at both tackle spots, center, and tight end. The Lions’ offensive line gave up seven sacks, and Brosmer completed only 9 of 16 passes for 51 yards against a relentless Minnesota pass rush.
Before Addison’s touchdown run, the Vikings had just 75 net yards. Addison burst around the right end untouched for his longest career touchdown, diving at the pylon to ensure the ball crossed the goal line as he was pushed out of bounds.
Despite the offensive struggles, Brosmer managed the game carefully, protecting the ball well—something Goff is usually known for. This ball control helped set up kicker Will Reichard to score three field goals, ensuring the Vikings’ defensive efforts translated into points.
Goff finished the game 18 of 29 for 197 yards, throwing one touchdown pass to Isaac TeSlaa late in the second quarter. That touchdown capped a 19-play, 80-yard drive that consumed 10:08 off the clock. Notably, it was the first passing touchdown allowed by the Vikings in seven games.
### Injury Report
**Lions:**
– LB Alex Anzalone and safety Thomas Harper were sidelined by concussions.
– Safety Avonte Maddox was inactive due to a back injury.
– Harper and Maddox had been starting in place of standout players Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, both on injured reserve.
– Center Kingsley Eguakun was promoted from the practice squad to start for Graham Glasgow (knee), who was active but did not play.
– LT Taylor Decker (shoulder) was inactive.
– DT Alim McNeill (abdomen) aggravated a previous injury and was questionable to play.
**Vikings:**
– Myles Price hurt his ankle returning the opening kickoff and did not return.
– RB Jordan Mason (ankle) was inactive.
### Up Next
The Lions will host the Chicago Bears in Week 18, while the Vikings will face the Green Bay Packers to conclude their schedule. Those games are set for either January 3 or 4.
https://www.clickorlando.com/sports/2025/12/26/vikings-eliminate-lions-with-defense-dominating-23-10-victory-racking-up-6-turnovers-and-5-sacks/