Finding a reliable, all-in-one source for Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats can feel impossible. Scattered box scores and incomplete recaps leave fans searching. You need one place with every passing, rushing, and receiving number, clearly explained. This breakdown delivers exactly that—packed with official stats, player performances, and game-changing moments.
Game Overview and Final Score
The Lions entered U.S. Bank Stadium with a 5-1 record. The Vikings matched that 5-1 mark. Detroit escaped with a 31-29 victory after a back-and-forth fourth quarter. Minnesota had a chance to win on the final drive, but a late sack ended the rally. The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats reveal a contest where both offenses moved the ball at will yet critical defensive stops flipped the outcome.
Quarterback Showdown: Goff vs Darnold
Jared Goff delivered one of his most efficient games. He completed 22 of 25 passes for 280 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. His 88% completion rate kept the chains moving and prevented Minnesota’s pass rush from taking over. Sam Darnold answered with 22 completions on 27 attempts, 259 yards, one touchdown, and one pick. Darnold stood tall against constant pressure and gave his team a shot to win. When you scan the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats, the quarterback duel jumps off the page—clean execution, minimal mistakes, and big throws on third down.
- Goff: 22/25, 280 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT, 140.2 passer rating
- Darnold: 22/27, 259 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 103.5 passer rating
Detroit Lions Passing Leaders
Amon-Ra St. Brown torched the Vikings’ secondary with precision route running. He grabbed 8 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. The connection on a 35-yard strike early in the third quarter shifted momentum toward Detroit. Sam LaPorta chipped in 5 receptions for 45 yards, moving the sticks on multiple third-down snaps. Kalif Raymond added 3 catches for 39 yards, including a key 21-yard gain. These Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats show how Goff spread the ball without forcing anything deep.
Minnesota Vikings Passing Leaders
Justin Jefferson returned to his All-Pro form. He hauled in 7 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. His toe-tapping 25-yard score in the second quarter reminded everyone why he dominates red-zone coverage. Jordan Addison provided a spark with 3 catches for 66 yards, ripping off a 42-yarder that set up an Aaron Jones touchdown. T.J. Hockenson, facing his former team, secured 5 catches for 48 yards. The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats highlight how Darnold leaned on his top targets in big spots.
Rushing Attack: Lions Ground Game
Jahmyr Gibbs erupted for 116 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns. He broke a 45-yard run in the third quarter, slicing through arm tackles and outracing the safety. David Montgomery pounded out 40 yards on 12 attempts, keeping drives alive between the tackles. Gibbs also caught 4 passes for 44 yards, showcasing his dual-threat value. If you study the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats, Detroit’s 160 total rushing yards and 5.3 yards per carry explain their ability to control the clock.
- Gibbs: 15 carries, 116 yds, 2 TD; 4 rec, 44 yds
- Montgomery: 12 carries, 40 yds
- Team: 30 carries, 160 yds, 5.3 avg
Vikings Rushing Performances
Aaron Jones turned 14 carries into 93 yards and a touchdown. His patient vision and cutback lanes kept the Lions’ linebackers guessing. Cam Akers spelled Jones with 4 carries for 17 yards. Darnold scrambled twice for 11 yards, including a gutsy third-down pickup. The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats reflect a run game that nearly matched Detroit’s output—140 total yards at 5.0 per carry—proving Jones still ignites this offense.
Receiving Corps Breakdown (Team View)
Detroit’s pass-catchers combined for 280 yards through the air. St. Brown accounted for 40% of those yards. Minnesota’s trio of Jefferson, Addison, and Hockenson combined for 195 of Darnold’s 259 yards. Both teams refused to let safeties sit deep. The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats show that when play-action was working, intermediate throws became automatic. Neither defense could consistently disrupt timing.
Top Defensive Plays and Turnovers
Kerby Joseph intercepted Darnold on an underthrown deep ball in the second quarter. That takeaway led to a Gibbs touchdown and a 10-point swing. Brian Branch collected 8 tackles and broke up two passes in the red zone. For Minnesota, Camryn Bynum forced a fumble that Josh Metellus recovered at midfield. Danielle Hunter registered a strip-sack that Detroit recovered, but the pressure forced a punt. When you dig into the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats, those three takeaways and four combined sacks dictated field position.
- Lions: 1 INT (Joseph), 2 sacks
- Vikings: 1 fumble recovery, 2 sacks
Special Teams Impact
Jake Bates drilled a 44-yard field goal to put Detroit ahead 31-29 with two minutes left. Greg Joseph answered earlier with three field goals for Minnesota—from 42, 35, and 49 yards. Punt returner Kalif Raymond averaged 11.3 yards per return, giving Detroit a hidden field-position edge. Kene Nwangwu’s 24-yard kickoff return set up a scoring drive. The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats prove that special-teams momentum rippled through each quarter.
Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Summary Table
Below is a side-by-side look at the key offensive contributors. Use this table to compare fantasy output, prop-bet results, or just relive the action.
| Player | Team | Pos | Pass Yds | TD | INT | Rush Yds | Rush TD | Rec | Rec Yds | Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared Goff | DET | QB | 280 | 2 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – |
| Sam Darnold | MIN | QB | 259 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 0 | – | – | – |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | DET | RB | – | – | – | 116 | 2 | 4 | 44 | 0 |
| Aaron Jones | MIN | RB | – | – | – | 93 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 0 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | DET | WR | – | – | – | – | – | 8 | 112 | 1 |
| Justin Jefferson | MIN | WR | – | – | – | – | – | 7 | 81 | 1 |
| Jordan Addison | MIN | WR | – | – | – | – | – | 3 | 66 | 0 |
| Sam LaPorta | DET | TE | – | – | – | – | – | 5 | 45 | 0 |
| David Montgomery | DET | RB | – | – | – | 40 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
All numbers above come from the official game book. Revisit these Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats anytime you need a clear, detailed snapshot.
What These Stats Mean for the Season
Detroit’s offense stayed balanced and explosive. Gibbs emerged as a true bell cow who can punish defenses on the ground and through the air. Goff’s mistake-free day reinforced why the Lions own one of the NFL’s most efficient attacks. Minnesota proved it can hang with an elite NFC North rival despite the loss. Darnold’s poise, Jones’s burst, and Jefferson’s brilliance give the Vikings a high floor. The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats show two teams built for January football—and the rematch can’t come soon enough.
Fantasy Football Impact and Takeaways
Fantasy managers who started Gibbs or St. Brown celebrated a monster week. Goff became a top-12 streaming option with his two-touchdown, no-interception line. Jones continued his comeback narrative as an RB2 with upside. Jefferson delivered WR1 numbers despite tough coverage. Darnold served as a low-end QB1 in superflex leagues. One look at these Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats makes it clear: stacking Lions or Vikings in favorable matchups carries week-winning potential.
Key Moments That Shaped the Box Score
- Gibbs’s 45-yard touchdown run flipped a 10-7 deficit into a lead Detroit never surrendered.
- St. Brown’s 35-yard catch on third-and-8 set up a chip-shot field goal.
- Joseph’s interception of Darnold erased a promising Minnesota drive near midfield.
- Jefferson’s touchdown before halftime cut the gap to four points and ignited the crowd.
- Bates’s go-ahead kick with 2:00 left forced Minnesota into a desperate final drive.
Those five snaps explain why the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats look so tightly packed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who had the most passing yards in the Vikings vs Lions game?
Jared Goff threw for 280 yards, completing 88% of his passes.
Which running back scored multiple touchdowns?
Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for two touchdowns and added 44 receiving yards.
How many yards did Justin Jefferson record?
Jefferson caught 7 passes for 81 yards and one touchdown.
Were there any defensive touchdowns?
No, all scoring came from offense and special teams. Turnovers set up short fields but no defender reached the end zone.
What was the final score of this matchup?
Detroit won 31-29 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Where can I find official Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats?
The NFL’s official game center and Pro Football Reference archive every play. Bookmark this page for quick, filter-free recaps.
Your One-Stop Hub for This Rivalry
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