NFL scores: Vikings eliminate Lions from playoff contention
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The Detroit Lions were hoping to get a gift from the Minnesota Vikings for Christmas. Instead they took a lump of coal and then some.
The Vikings played spoiler with a 23-10 upset victory over their NFC North division rivals.
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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws under pressure from Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) during the second half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison didn’t touch the ball until the fourth quarter and made the biggest play of the night. He took a pass from quarterback Max Brosmer, found space on the right side of the offensive line and reinforced the Swiss Cheese Lions defense.
His 66-yard touchdown run increased the Vikings’ lead to 10 points. On the Lions’ next drive, Jared Goff committed the team’s sixth turnover of the night. The Lions had four tackles and two interceptions. Goff was responsible for five of these. Jahmyr Gibbs also had his failure.
A win for Detroit would have kept its playoff hopes alive for at least two more days, but this defeat completely dashed the team’s dreams, having been in the playoffs for the last two years and finishing the 2024 season with a 15-2 record.
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Minnesota Vikings winger Jordan Addison (3) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Since Week 8, the Lions have looked a little lost. Detroit has lost six of its last nine games. The team only managed wins against NFC East teams (New York Giants, Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys). They needed overtime to get past the Giants.
Detroit dropped to 8-8 on the season with this loss.
Goff was 18-of-29 with 197 passing yards and a touchdown. He was dismissed five times. Amon-Ra St. Brown led the Lions with eight catches for 68 yards. Isaac TeSlaa had three catches for 49 yards and a touchdown catch.
Brosmer started the game in place of the injured JJ McCarthy. He was 9/16 for 51 yards. Justin Jefferson had four catches for 30 yards. Aaron Jones scored a rushing touchdown.
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The win was the fourth in a row for the Vikings. They are 8-8 with the Green Bay Packers remaining on their schedule.
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