For the first time in 30 years, the Lions are division champions. And for the first time in seven years, they’re headed to the playoffs.
With a clock-controlling offensive day and a handful of big plays from its defense, Detroit earned a 30-24 win at Minnesota on Sunday to improve to 11-4 and both clinch the NFC North crown and a playoff berth.
In a back-and-forth game, the Lions took control by orchestrating back-to-back long touchdown drives after the Vikings had grabbed a 21-17 lead with a touchdown early in the third quarter. Quarterback Jared Goff gave the Lions a 23-21 lead with 4:38 left in the third quarter by finding star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown for a one-yard touchdown to cap a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that took 7:18.
The Lions’ defense then quickly forced a three-and-out, and Detroit marched back down the field on a 14-play, 83-yard drive that culminated with running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ three-yard touchdown run. The ensuing extra point gave Detroit a 30-21 lead with 11:07 left in the game.
On the next possession, Lions safety Kerby Joseph intercepted Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens. It was Joseph’s second pick of the day and the third of four that Detroit had.
The Lions’ last interception was their biggest. The Vikings pulled within 30-24 on a field goal with 5:22 left and, after getting a stop, had a chance to win it with a touchdown in the final minute, but Detroit safety Ifeatu Melifonwu stepped in front of Minnesota star receiver Justin Jefferson to intercept an underthrown ball by Mullens inside the 5-yard line with 49 seconds left.
Once again, Goff had an efficient performance, completing 30 of 40 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. St. Brown led the Lions with 12 catches for 106 yards and a score.
Gibbs rushed 15 times for 80 yards and two touchdowns, while fellow running back David Montgomery had 17 carries for 55 yards and a score, a one-yard plunge that capped Detroit’s impressive 14-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on the game’s opening possession. The Lions controlled the ball for 38:22 on the day.
The Lions’ last division crown was in 1993, when they went 10-6 to win the then-named NFC Central.
By improving to 11-4, the Lions – at least momentarily – ascended into the second seed in the NFC playoff race behind the NFL-best 49ers (11-3).
The Cowboys and Eagles are both 10-4 and remain in the mix for the second seed as well. Dallas plays at Miami later Sunday afternoon, while Philadelphia hosts the New York Giants on Monday.
The Lions will have another chance to fortify their playoff seeding when they visit the Cowboys next Saturday.
By winning the NFC North, the Lions will host a playoff game at Ford Field for the first time in history. Their last home playoff game was in January 1994.