The Detroit Lions were hoping for a gift from the Minnesota Vikings at Christmas. Instead they got a lump of coal and then some.
The Vikings played spoiler with an upset win over their NFC North division rival, 23-10.
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Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison didn’t touch the ball until the fourth quarter and made the biggest play of the night. He took a handoff from quarterback Max Brosmer, found space on the right side of the line of scrimmage and weaved his way through the Swiss Cheese Lions defense.
The 66-yard touchdown run extended the Vikings’ lead to 10 points. On the Lions’ next drive, Jared Goff committed the team’s sixth turnover of the night. The Lions had four fumbles and two interceptions. Goff was responsible for five of them. Jahmyr Gibbs also had a fumble.
A win for Detroit would have kept its playoff hopes alive for at least two more days, but the loss completely shatters the team’s dreams after being in the postseason the past two years and finishing the 2024 season with a 15-2 record.
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Since their Week 8 bye, the Lions have looked a bit lost. Detroit has been defeated six of its last nine games. The team only recorded wins against NFC East teams: the New York Giants, Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys. They needed overtime to get past the Giants.
Detroit drops to 8-8 on the season with the loss.
Goff was 18 of 29 with 197 passing yards and a touchdown pass. He was fired five times. Amon-Ra St. Brown led the Lions with eight catches for 68 yards. Isaac TeSlaa had three catches for 49 yards and a touchdown catch.
Brosmer started the game for an injured JJ McCarthy. He was 9 of 16 for 51 yards. Justin Jefferson had four catches for 30 yards. Aaron Jones added a rushing touchdown.
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The win marks four consecutive games for the Vikings. They are 8-8 and the Green Bay Packers are still on their schedule.
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