The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry in the NFC North, and their matchups never fail to deliver excitement. Whether you’re a lifelong football fan or just tuning in for the first time, the player stats from their games tell a fascinating story of skill, strategy, and heart. In this article, we’ll break down the key player performances from their most recent clash on January 5, 2025, and provide an easy-to-read analysis that anyone can enjoy. From jaw-dropping touchdowns to game-changing defensive plays, let’s dive into the stats and moments that defined this epic showdown.
Game Overview: Lions Dominate in Week 18
The Detroit Lions faced off against the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 18 matchup on January 5, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit. This game was a high-stakes battle, with the Lions clinching a 31-9 victory and securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the playoffs. The Vikings, despite their strong 2024 season, couldn’t keep up with Detroit’s explosive offense, led by running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Let’s take a closer look at the box score and individual player stats to see what made this game so one-sided.
Box Score Snapshot
|
Team |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Detroit Lions |
7 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 31 |
|
Minnesota Vikings |
0 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 9 |
The Lions started strong with a touchdown in the first quarter and never looked back. The Vikings managed to put points on the board with field goals but struggled to find the end zone. By the fourth quarter, Detroit’s relentless attack sealed the deal. Now, let’s break down the player performances that shaped this outcome.
Key Player Stats: Detroit Lions
The Lions’ victory was powered by a balanced offensive attack and a stout defense. Here are the standout performers from Detroit.
Quarterback: Jared Goff
Jared Goff was efficient and composed, delivering a solid performance that kept the Lions’ offense humming. His stats for the game were:
-
Completions/Attempts: 27/33
-
Passing Yards: 231
-
Touchdowns: 1
-
Interceptions: 2
-
Passer Rating: 80.7
Goff’s ability to connect with his receivers, especially in critical moments, helped Detroit maintain control. Despite throwing two interceptions, he avoided costly mistakes in the second half, and his touchdown pass to Jahmyr Gibbs was a highlight of the game.
Running Back: Jahmyr Gibbs
Jahmyr Gibbs stole the show with a career-defining performance. His explosive runs and versatility as a receiver made him the game’s MVP. His stats were:
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Rushing Attempts: 23
-
Rushing Yards: 139
-
Rushing Touchdowns: 3
-
Receptions: 5
-
Receiving Yards: 31
-
Receiving Touchdowns: 1
Gibbs’ four total touchdowns were the difference-maker, including a memorable 45-yard run that showcased his speed and vision. His ability to break tackles and find open lanes overwhelmed the Vikings’ defense.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
The Lions’ passing game leaned heavily on their reliable targets:
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Amon-Ra St. Brown:
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Receptions: 6
-
Receiving Yards: 77
-
Touchdowns: 0
-
-
Sam LaPorta:
-
Receptions: 7
-
Receiving Yards: 63
-
Touchdowns: 0
-
-
Jameson Williams:
-
Receptions: 6
-
Receiving Yards: 34
-
Touchdowns: 0
-
St. Brown and LaPorta were Goff’s go-to options, consistently finding space against a tough Vikings secondary. While they didn’t score, their catches kept drives alive and set up Gibbs’ big plays.
Defense: Shutting Down the Vikings
The Lions’ defense was relentless, holding the Vikings to just nine points. Key defensive players included:
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Alex Anzalone:
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Total Tackles: 7
-
Solo Tackles: 3
-
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Kerby Joseph:
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Total Tackles: 6
-
Solo Tackles: 4
-
-
Brian Branch:
-
Total Tackles: 6
-
Solo Tackles: 3
-
The Lions’ defense forced multiple punts and intercepted Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold twice, with Ivan Pace Jr. and Harrison Smith grabbing picks for Minnesota but unable to capitalize. Detroit’s pressure on Darnold limited his effectiveness, especially in the red zone.
Kicking and Punting
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Jake Bates (Kicker):
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Field Goals: 1/1
-
Extra Points: 4/4
-
-
Jack Fox (Punter):
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Punts: 2
-
Yards: 102
-
Inside 20: 1
-
Longest: 56
-
Bates was perfect on his kicks, and Fox’s punting helped control field position, giving the Lions an edge in the special teams battle.
Key Player Stats: Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings fought hard but couldn’t match Detroit’s firepower. Here’s how their key players performed.
Quarterback: Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold had a challenging day against a aggressive Lions defense. His stats were:
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Completions/Attempts: 18/41
-
Passing Yards: 166
-
Touchdowns: 0
-
Interceptions: 0
-
Passer Rating: 55.5
Darnold struggled with accuracy, completing less than half of his passes. The Lions’ pass rush, led by Za’Darius Smith and Jonathan Greenard, disrupted his rhythm, and he couldn’t connect on deep shots to his playmakers.
Running Backs: Aaron Jones and Cam Akers
The Vikings’ ground game showed flashes but wasn’t enough to keep pace:
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Aaron Jones:
-
Rushing Attempts: 10
-
Rushing Yards: 45
-
Receptions: 5
-
Receiving Yards: 30
-
-
Cam Akers:
-
Rushing Attempts: 6
-
Rushing Yards: 65
-
Receptions: 2
-
Receiving Yards: 4
-
Jones and Akers provided some spark, with Akers breaking off a few solid runs. However, the Vikings’ inability to sustain drives limited their opportunities.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Minnesota’s passing attack leaned on its star receivers, but they couldn’t break through:
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Justin Jefferson:
-
Receptions: 3
-
Receiving Yards: 54
-
Touchdowns: 0
-
-
Jalen Nailor:
-
Receptions: 3
-
Receiving Yards: 53
-
Touchdowns: 0
-
-
T.J. Hockenson:
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Receptions: 2
-
Receiving Yards: 9
-
Touchdowns: 0
-
Jefferson, one of the NFL’s best receivers, was held in check by Detroit’s secondary, led by Brian Branch and Amik Robertson. The lack of big plays from Minnesota’s receivers was a key factor in their offensive struggles.
Defense: Bright Spots in a Tough Loss
The Vikings’ defense, coordinated by Brian Flores, showed resilience despite the scoreline:
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Ivan Pace Jr.:
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Total Tackles: 10
-
Solo Tackles: 5
-
Interceptions: 1
-
-
Blake Cashman:
-
Total Tackles: 8
-
Solo Tackles: 5
-
-
Camryn Bynum:
-
Total Tackles: 7
-
Solo Tackles: 7
-
The Vikings’ defense forced two turnovers, including interceptions by Pace and Harrison Smith, but failed fourth-down conversions in scoring position hurt their chances. Jonathan Greenard’s sack and two tackles for loss were highlights, but the unit couldn’t stop Gibbs’ explosive plays.
Kicking and Punting
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Will Reichard (Kicker):
-
Field Goals: 3/4
-
Extra Points: 0/0
-
-
Ryan Wright (Punter):
-
Punts: 3
-
Yards: 155
-
Longest: 57
-
Reichard was reliable, converting three of four field goal attempts, but the Vikings’ offense couldn’t get him in range for more. Wright’s punting was solid but couldn’t flip the field enough to slow Detroit’s momentum.
Earlier Matchup: October 20, 2024
To give context to this rivalry, let’s look at the teams’ earlier meeting in 2024, where the Lions edged out the Vikings 31-29 in a nail-biter at U.S. Bank Stadium. This game was a back-and-forth thriller, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower.
Key Stats from October 20, 2024
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Jared Goff (Lions):
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Completions/Attempts: 22/25
-
Passing Yards: 280
-
Touchdowns: 2
-
Interceptions: 0
-
-
Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions):
-
Rushing Attempts: 15
-
Rushing Yards: 116
-
Rushing Touchdowns: 2
-
-
Sam Darnold (Vikings):
-
Completions/Attempts: 22/27
-
Passing Yards: 259
-
Touchdowns: 1
-
Interceptions: 1
-
-
Aaron Jones (Vikings):
-
Rushing Attempts: 14
-
Rushing Yards: 93
-
Rushing Touchdowns: 1
-
-
Justin Jefferson (Vikings):
-
Receptions: 7
-
Receiving Yards: 81
-
Touchdowns: 1
-
This game was much closer, with the Lions pulling ahead late thanks to a field goal by Jake Bates. Gibbs’ 45-yard touchdown run was a game-changer, while Darnold and Jefferson kept the Vikings competitive until the final moments.
What the Stats Tell Us
Lions’ Offensive Dominance
The Lions’ success in both games came down to their ability to balance their passing and rushing attacks. Jahmyr Gibbs emerged as a superstar, consistently finding gaps in the Vikings’ defense. Jared Goff’s efficiency, especially in the October game, allowed Detroit to exploit mismatches and keep drives alive. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta provided reliable targets, making the Lions’ offense one of the most dangerous in the NFC.
Vikings’ Defensive Struggles
Minnesota’s defense, led by Brian Flores, is known for its aggressive schemes, but they struggled to contain Gibbs. The Lions’ ability to convert on third downs (4/10 in October, compared to the Vikings’ 4/10) and avoid turnovers in critical moments gave them the edge. The Vikings’ secondary held up well against Goff’s passing, but their run defense faltered at key times.
Missed Opportunities for Minnesota
The Vikings’ offense showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the October game, where Darnold and Jefferson connected for big plays. However, their inability to score touchdowns in the red zone (0/0 in October, 0/0 in January) forced them to settle for field goals, which wasn’t enough against Detroit’s high-powered attack.
Why This Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats rivalry is one of the NFL’s most competitive, with 127 total games played. The Vikings lead the all-time series 80-45-2, but the Lions have won the last five meetings, including both in 2024. This shift shows Detroit’s rise as a contender, while Minnesota continues to rely on stars like Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones to keep pace.
Every matchup between these teams is a battle for NFC North supremacy, and the stats reflect the intensity. For fans, it’s about more than just numbers—it’s about the heart-pounding moments, like Gibbs’ long runs or Jefferson’s acrobatic catches, that make these games unforgettable.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications
The Lions’ victory on January 5, 2025, secured them the NFC’s top seed, giving them a first-round bye and home-field advantage. For the Vikings, the loss highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in their red-zone offense and run defense. As both teams gear up for the playoffs, these stats will guide their strategies. Will Gibbs continue his dominance? Can Jefferson break free for a big game? Only time will tell, but this rivalry is sure to deliver more thrilling moments.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats on January 5, 2025, was a showcase of talent, with Jahmyr Gibbs leading the Lions to a decisive 31-9 victory. From Goff’s steady hand to Jefferson’s valiant efforts, the player stats tell the story of a game where execution made all the difference. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good football story, these numbers bring the action to life. Stay tuned for more epic battles in this historic NFC North rivalry