Lions Rally Past Vikings to End Minnesota’s Unbeaten Start

Minnesota’s defense stifled Detroit for much of the game, sacking Jared Goff four times and intercepting him for the first time this season. The Vikings led 7-6 at halftime, but Detroit took a 12-7 advantage in the third quarter when Jahmyr Gibbs broke free for a 30-yard touchdown run. The Lions failed to convert the two-point attempt.

The Vikings moved back in front with 3:56 remaining in the fourth quarter. Kyler Murray threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Hockenson, and Minnesota added a successful two-point conversion to lead 15-12.

Detroit answered with a seven-play, 69-yard drive that ended with Goff connecting with Jameson Williams for a seven-yard touchdown. Gibbs and backup running back Sione Vaki helped power the drive. Gibbs finished with 153 rushing yards, while Vaki added 65 yards on 11 carries.

Minnesota’s next possession lasted three plays and gained five yards before a punt. The Vikings had one more chance after that, but Detroit ran out the clock. The loss ended Minnesota’s 11-game regular-season winning streak, which had begun last season. The Vikings finished with 266 yards, while the Lions held the league’s second-highest-scoring offense 11.6 points below its season average.

The game was also marked by injuries for Detroit. Center Cade Mays, safety Brian Branch and defensive end D.J. Wonnum left during the second quarter. Linebacker Jack Campbell was carted off after a collision and taken to a local hospital for evaluation of a neck injury. Lions coach Dan Campbell said the team was thinking about him and that he was being cared for.