When two NFC North adversaries such as the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions meet on the gridiron, the stakes are high — not just for the outcome of one game, but for seasons of momentum, playoff seeding and divisional bragging rights. In this article we delve deep into the player statistics from their most recent confrontation, scrutinising how key performers shaped the result, how the team units performed comparatively, and what the trends emerging from this matchup suggest for both franchises moving forward. Whether you’re a stats-driven fan, a fantasy football participant, or simply eager for a sharper insight into how this rivalry plays out on a player by player basis, we’ll break down the numbers, highlight standout contributions and draw conclusions that go beyond the box score.
Game Context and Summary
In the season finale of the 2024 regular season, the Lions faced the Vikings with enormous playoff and divisional implications. Detroit secured a dominant 31-9 victory over Minnesota. ESPN.com+2CBS Sports+2 That margin of victory came partly because Detroit’s offence and defence executed at a high level, while Minnesota failed to convert many of their chances. According to game statistics, the Vikings gained only 262 total yards, whereas the Lions generated 394 yards. ESPN.com Further, the Lions held possession for 36 : 12 minutes versus the Vikings’ 23 : 48, showing significant control of the game. ESPN.com
This matchup matters not only because of the scoreline, but because it reflects a shift in the balance of power in the division and showcases the kinds of individual performances that tipped the scales.
Key Player Statistics — Detroit Lions
Let’s highlight several major contributors for Detroit and how their stats underline the team’s success.
Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back)
Gibbs was the breakout star. In that game he rushed for 139 yards on 23 carries and scored three rushing touchdowns; he also caught five passes for 31 yards and one receiving touchdown. Reuters+2Wikipedia+2 Over the season his total was 1,412 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, plus 517 receiving yards and 4 receiving touchdowns, tying him for the lead in rushing touchdowns. Wikipedia His performance against the Vikings was franchise-record tying for season touchdowns.
Gibbs’s ability to impact both the running and passing games made him the engine of Detroit’s offence in that contest. His explosive runs and consistent yardage forced Minnesota’s defence to adjust, opening space for other playmakers.
Jared Goff (Quarterback)
Goff completed 27 of 33 passes for 231 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Reuters+1 While the interceptions were blemishes, his completion rate and control of the offence were strong. Goff’s efficiency and decision-making in key moments helped the Lions maintain momentum and dictate pace. Over the broader season, Goff had multiple 300-yard passing games and drove Detroit’s ascension to the top seed. Wikipedia+1
Amon‑Ra St. Brown (Wide Receiver)
St. Brown is Detroit’s reliable receiver. While I’m referencing broader stats rather than specifically only this game, he finished the 2023 season with 1,515 receiving yards and was selected as a First Team All-Pro. Wikipedia In the game vs Minnesota, his presence demanded attention from the Vikings’ secondary which in turn opened opportunities elsewhere for Detroit.
Defensive Contributors
The Lions’ defence also stepped up. While I don’t have a full individual breakdown in this specific article for each defender, we know that Detroit’s pass rush and pressure disrupted the Vikings’ offence and contributed significantly to that restricted yardage by Minnesota. The strong team-defensive packaging complemented the offensive output.
Key Player Statistics — Minnesota Vikings
Now turning to Minnesota, we’ll examine where they fell short and which players tried to combat the Lions’ dominance.
Quarterback Performance
The Vikings’ quarterback (in that particular game) struggled to penetrate Detroit’s defensive structure. The team gained only 262 total yards. ESPN.com+1 For example, in their 2022 meeting (which is a bit older but illustrates the issues) the Vikings’ passing game was 24/41 for 260 yards and two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Minnesota Vikings In contrast, in the 2025 game, Minnesota failed to score a touchdown; their offence produced only field goals. CBS Sports+1
Receiving and Running Highlights
While the Vikings have playmakers such as Justin Jefferson, their production was muted in the face of Detroit’s pressure. The inability to generate chunk plays or sustained drives placed them on their back foot, and Minnesota committing fewer first downs exacerbated the issue (Minnesota had only 14 first downs vs Detroit’s 24 in that game). ESPN.com
Defensive Shortcomings
On the defensive side, the Vikings allowed 394 total yards to the Lions and surrendered multiple touchdowns in the second half. ESPN.com+1 While Minnesota’s defence is usually a strength, in this matchup Detroit’s offensive tempo and Gibbs’s big runs exposed gaps and forced Minnesota into chasing the game.
Game Trends & What the Stats Reveal
Beyond the raw numbers, these statistics reveal several important trends.
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Possession and Yardage Dominance: Detroit’s fuller yardage total (394 vs 262) and greater time of possession (36:12 vs 23:48) show that the Lions dictated the pace and flow. This trend often correlates with victory, particularly in high-stakes games.
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Big-Play Impact: Gibbs’s explosive runs and touchdowns underscore how single players with high-impact plays can swing a game. When one back accumulates 139 rushing yards and scores multiple touchdowns, the entire dynamic changes.
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Offensive Efficiency vs. Offensive Stagnation: Detroit scored four touchdowns in the second half alone, showing their ability to finish drives and put away the opponent. Minnesota, by contrast, stalled repeatedly and never reached the end zone.
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Division Rivalry Intensity: The stats reinforce how this Vikings-Lions matchup carries extra weight. Historical head-to-heads show Minnesota leads the series overall, but recent seasons indicate Detroit closing the gap. Football Database+1
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Postseason Implications Through Stats: The statistical performance in this game translated immediately to playoff positioning: Detroit earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Reuters+1
Implications for Both Teams Moving Forward
For Detroit: The statistical dominance in this game should boost confidence. The high rushing output from Gibbs, combined with Goff’s efficient passing and the secondary’s support, positions the Lions as a formidable challenger. The stats suggest a unit that is balanced, explosive and capable of controlling both sides of the ball.
For Minnesota: The numbers provide a caution. If the Vikings want to contend at the highest level, they need to convert their talented roster into consistent statistical output, especially in big games. The inability to score a touchdown and the lack of sustained drives in this contest highlight areas for improvement: red-zone offence, third‐down conversion, and defensive resilience against explosive plays.
Conclusion
In the matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, the player statistics tell a compelling story: one of dominance, control and execution on Detroit’s behalf, and of missed opportunities, stagnation and challenge for Minnesota. By examining the numbers — from rushing yards and passing efficiency to time of possession and first-down counts — we see why the Lions emerged victorious and why the Vikings must reassess key facets of their game. The stats are more than just numbers; they reveal narratives of momentum, strategy and execution under pressure. Moving forward, both teams will carry lessons from this duel — for Detroit, a blueprint for sustaining success; for Minnesota, a reminder that in rivalry games the margin is carried by individual displays and collective execution alike.
FAQ
Q1: What were the top statistical performances in the Vikings vs Lions game?
A1: For Detroit, Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 139 yards with three rushing touchdowns and added one receiving touchdown; Jared Goff completed 27/33 for 231 yards and one TD; Detroit amassed 394 total yards and held possession for 36:12. For Minnesota, their total yards were only 262, and they failed to score a touchdown, managing only field goals. ESPN.com+1
Q2: How did the Vikings’ offence struggle statistically?
A2: The Vikings gained fewer first downs (14 vs Detroit’s 24) and fewer total yards (262 vs 394). Their time of possession was also significantly lower (23:48) which limited their opportunities. They were unable to reach the end zone. ESPN.com
Q3: Why do these player stats matter for future games?
A3: They provide insight into how each team functions under pressure. Detroit’s high-impact performances (especially Gibbs’s rushing output) suggest a team able to win big games. Minnesota’s statistical shortfalls highlight areas of weakness that opponents can exploit unless improved. These trends will shape how both teams prepare and perform in the playoffs and beyond.
Q4: Did this game affect playoff or seeding implications?
A4: Yes — the statistical dominance by Detroit translated into the No. 1 seed in the NFC and first-round bye status. Minnesota fell to the wild-card spot and into a tougher postseason path. The player stats in this game were directly tied to those outcomes. Reuters+1
Q5: How does the historical rivalry between the Vikings and Lions reflect in the player stats?
A5: Historically the Vikings have held the edge in the series overall. Football Database+1 However, recent statistical outcomes (including this game) suggest that the Lions are closing the gap — their players are producing stronger numbers in big games against Minnesota, which may shift the balance going forward.
