The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry in the NFC North, with each game delivering high-energy action and unforgettable moments. Their Week 18 matchup on January 5, 2025, at Ford Field was no exception. This game was a clash of titans, with playoff seeding and division bragging rights on the line. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the player stats from this thrilling contest, breaking down the key performances in passing, rushing, receiving, defense, and special teams. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a fantasy football enthusiast, or just love crunching numbers, this easy-to-read guide will give you all the details in a clear and engaging way. Let’s get started!
Game Overview: Lions Roar to Victory
The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats in their Week 18 showdown, finishing with a decisive 31-9 victory. The game, played in the controlled environment of Ford Field’s dome, saw the Lions’ high-powered offense and stout defense overpower a resilient but ultimately outmatched Vikings squad. With both teams entering the game with strong records—Detroit at 14-2 and Minnesota at 13-3—this matchup was a critical test for postseason momentum. The Lions secured a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the NFC, thanks in large part to standout performances from players like Jahmyr Gibbs and Jared Goff. Meanwhile, the Vikings struggled to find their rhythm, with Sam Darnold facing challenges against Detroit’s aggressive defense.
Below, we’ll break down the individual player stats and highlight the key moments that shaped this game. All stats are sourced from reliable reports, including Sportskeeda and ESPN, ensuring accuracy and depth.
Passing Stats: Quarterbacks Under the Spotlight
Detroit Lions: Jared Goff Shines
Jared Goff was the engine behind Detroit’s offensive success. The Lions’ quarterback delivered a solid performance, completing 27 of 33 passes for a completion rate of 81.8%. He racked up 231 passing yards, threw one touchdown, but also had two interceptions, which slightly blemished an otherwise stellar day. His passer rating of 80.7 reflects a performance that was efficient but not without flaws. Goff’s ability to spread the ball to multiple receivers, including Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta, kept the Vikings’ defense on its heels. His quick decision-making was crucial in a dome environment that favors high passing volume and effectiveness.
Minnesota Vikings: Sam Darnold’s Tough Day
On the other side, Sam Darnold had a challenging outing for the Vikings. He completed 18 of 41 passes, a 43.9% completion rate, for 166 yards. Darnold didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions, but his passer rating of 55.5 indicates a struggle to find consistency. Facing a Lions defense that pressured him relentlessly—sacking him four times for a loss of 15 yards—Darnold couldn’t connect effectively with his playmakers. Despite having weapons like Justin Jefferson, the Vikings’ passing game never found its groove, contributing to their low-scoring output.
Rushing Stats: Ground Game Makes the Difference
Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs Steals the Show
Jahmyr Gibbs was the standout performer for the Lions, proving why he’s one of the NFL’s most dynamic running backs. Gibbs carried the ball 23 times for an impressive 139 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. He scored three rushing touchdowns, including a highlight-reel 45-yard scamper that showcased his speed and vision. Gibbs also contributed in the passing game, catching five passes for 31 yards and a touchdown. His ability to break tackles and exploit gaps in the Vikings’ defense was a game-changer, earning him high praise as the “game-breaking player” Detroit needed.
Craig Reynolds provided solid support, rushing eight times for 39 yards, but Gibbs was undeniably the star of the Lions’ ground attack. The Lions’ 39.8% run rate was lower than expected, but Gibbs’ efficiency made every carry count.
Minnesota Vikings: Aaron Jones and Cam Akers Try to Keep Up
The Vikings’ rushing attack was led by Aaron Jones, who carried the ball 10 times for 45 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. While respectable, Jones couldn’t match Gibbs’ explosiveness, and the Vikings’ run game lacked the big plays needed to shift momentum. Cam Akers added six carries for 65 yards, showing flashes of potential, but the team’s overall rushing total of 139 yards on 21 attempts (6.6 yards per carry) was overshadowed by their inability to sustain drives. Sam Darnold also scrambled twice for 11 yards, but the Vikings’ ground game couldn’t keep pace with Detroit’s defense, which ranks among the league’s best against the run.
Receiving Stats: Playmakers in the Passing Game
Detroit Lions: Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta Lead the Way
Amon-Ra St. Brown was Jared Goff’s go-to target, hauling in six receptions for 77 yards, averaging 12.8 yards per catch. His reliable hands and ability to find soft spots in the Vikings’ secondary made him a constant threat. Tight end Sam LaPorta also had a strong day, catching seven passes for 63 yards, averaging 9.0 yards per reception. Jameson Williams contributed six catches for 34 yards, while Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond added 15 and 11 yards, respectively. The Lions’ balanced receiving corps, combined with Goff’s accuracy, kept the chains moving and set up scoring opportunities.
Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson Shines Despite Struggles
Justin Jefferson, one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, led the Vikings with three receptions for 54 yards, averaging 18.0 yards per catch. His ability to make contested catches was on display, but he was underutilized due to Darnold’s struggles and the Lions’ tight coverage. Jalen Nailor matched Jefferson’s output with three catches for 53 yards, while Josh Oliver and T.J. Hockenson combined for four receptions and 25 yards. Jordan Addison managed just one catch for no yards, a testament to Detroit’s defensive dominance. The Vikings’ passing game lacked the firepower to challenge the Lions’ secondary consistently.
Defensive Stats: Who Made the Big Plays?
Detroit Lions: A Relentless Pass Rush
The Lions’ defense was a force, sacking Sam Darnold four times and limiting the Vikings to just nine points. Linebacker Alex Anzalone led the team with seven tackles (three solo), while safety Kerby Joseph and linebacker Jack Campbell each recorded six tackles. Za’Darius Smith and Al-Quadin Muhammad each notched a sack, with Smith’s coming at a critical moment to stall a Vikings drive. Brian Branch added an interception, his fourth of the season, showcasing his playmaking ability. The Lions’ defense excelled in pressuring Darnold and shutting down Minnesota’s run game, allowing just 85 adjusted rushing yards per game this season, the second-fewest in the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings: Fighting Hard but Overmatched
The Vikings’ defense, coordinated by Brian Flores, put up a valiant effort but couldn’t contain the Lions’ explosive offense. Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. led with 10 tackles (five solo) and an interception, while Blake Cashman and Camryn Bynum each contributed significantly with eight and seven tackles, respectively. Jonathan Greenard recorded a sack and two tackles for loss, and Harrison Smith added an interception, but the unit struggled to stop Gibbs’ big runs and Goff’s efficient passing. The Vikings’ safeties, ranked third in the NFL against the run, couldn’t prevent Detroit’s 144 rushing yards, highlighting the Lions’ dominance.
Special Teams: Kicking and Punting Impact
Detroit Lions: Jake Bates and Jack Fox Deliver
Kicker Jake Bates was perfect, hitting his only field goal attempt from 44 yards and converting all four extra-point attempts. Punter Jack Fox averaged 51.0 yards on two punts, with one landing inside the 20-yard line. Kalif Raymond handled punt returns, averaging 11.5 yards on two returns, including a 14-yard effort that set up a scoring drive. The Lions’ special teams unit played a clean game, contributing to their overall control.
Minnesota Vikings: Will Reichard’s Mixed Day
Rookie kicker Will Reichard made three of four field goal attempts, including a notable 58-yarder, the third-longest in Vikings history. However, he missed a crucial attempt that could have kept Minnesota closer. Punter Ryan Wright averaged 51.7 yards on three punts, with a long of 57 yards, but none landed inside the 20. The Vikings’ special teams were solid but couldn’t match the Lions’ precision, especially in field position battles.
Key Moments and Game Summary
The game started slowly, with both teams exchanging punts. The Lions struck first when Jahmyr Gibbs powered into the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter. The Vikings responded with two field goals in the second quarter, capitalizing on interceptions of Jared Goff by Ivan Pace Jr. and Harrison Smith. However, Detroit answered with a field goal of their own to lead 10-6 at halftime.
The third quarter saw the Vikings falter, failing to convert on fourth down inside the Lions’ two-yard line. Minnesota managed a third field goal after another Goff interception, but Gibbs took over in the fourth quarter, scoring two more rushing touchdowns and catching a touchdown pass. The Vikings’ final drive ended in a turnover on downs, sealing Detroit’s 31-9 victory. The Lions’ ability to capitalize on key moments and Gibbs’ explosive plays were the difference-makers.
Why This Game Matters
This matchup wasn’t just about the final score—it was a statement game for the Lions, who finished the regular season 15-2 and secured the NFC’s top seed. For the Vikings, the loss highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in their passing game and red-zone efficiency. Both teams showcased their strengths, with Detroit’s balanced attack and Minnesota’s defensive resilience, but the Lions’ execution was superior. This game adds another chapter to their historic rivalry, with the Vikings leading the all-time series 80-45-2.
Fantasy Football Takeaways
For fantasy football players, Jahmyr Gibbs was the clear MVP, racking up points with his four total touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta were reliable targets for Goff, making them strong starts in playoff fantasy leagues. On the Vikings’ side, Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones provided modest production, but Sam Darnold’s struggles limited their upside. Defensively, Ivan Pace Jr. and Harrison Smith offered value with their turnovers, but the Lions’ defensive unit as a whole was the better fantasy play.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Both Teams?
The Lions head into the playoffs with momentum, leveraging their home-field advantage and dynamic offense. Gibbs’ emergence as a star and Goff’s steady leadership make them a formidable postseason contender. The Vikings, despite the loss, remain a dangerous team with a potent defense and playmakers like Jefferson. Improving their red-zone efficiency and protecting Darnold will be key as they aim for a deep playoff run. The next meeting between these teams, scheduled for November 2, 2025, at Ford Field, promises to be another must-watch battle.
Conclusion: A Game Defined by Star Power
The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats on January 5, 2025, was a showcase of individual brilliance and team execution. Jahmyr Gibbs’ dominant performance, Jared Goff’s efficient passing, and the Lions’ relentless defense overwhelmed a Vikings team that fought hard but couldn’t capitalize. Whether you’re analyzing stats for fantasy football, cheering for your favorite team, or just love the thrill of NFL rivalries, this game delivered. Stay tuned for more exciting clashes in the NFC North as these teams continue to battle for supremacy!