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The Detroit Lions were hoping for a Christmas gift from the Minnesota Vikings. Instead, they received a lump of coal and more.
The Vikings played spoiler with a surprise win over their NFC North division rival, 23-10.
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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, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Vikings receiver Jordan Addison didn’t touch the ball until the fourth quarter and made the biggest play of the night. He took over from quarterback Max Brosmer, found space on the right side of the line of scrimmage and powered the Lions defense with Swiss cheese.
The 66-yard touchdown extended 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 fumbles and two interceptions. Goff was responsible for five of them. Jahmyr Gibbs also had a fumble.
A Detroit win would have kept its playoff hopes alive for at least two more days, but the loss completely dashed the team’s dreams after making the playoffs the last two years and finishing the 2024 season with a 15-2 record.
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Since their Week 8 bye, the Lions have looked a little lost. Detroit has been beaten six of its last nine games. The team only had wins against NFC East teams – the New York Giants, Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys. They needed overtime to get past the Giants.
Detroit falls to 8-8 on the season with the loss.
Goff was 18 of 29 with 197 passing yards and a touchdown pass. He was sacked 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.
Brosmer started the game for an injured JJ McCarthy. He was 9 of 16 for 51 yards. Justin Jefferson had four catches for 30 yards. Aaron Jones added a rushing touchdown.
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This victory marks the fourth in a row for the Vikings. They are 8-8 with the Green Bay Packers on their schedule.
