MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Detroit Lions became divisional champions for the first time in 30 years last season with a victory in Minnesota. This time they left U.S. Bank Stadium with a memorable and resilient performance, as well as a boost in their quest for another title in the NFC North.
The Lions' victory ignites the battle in the NFC North Division with Detroit and Minnesota tied with a record of 5-1, and a little further back Green Bay with 5-2.
How was the Lions' victory over the Vikings?
Jake Bates kicked a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds left and the Lions beat Minnesota 31-29 on Sunday, handing the Vikings their first loss of the season in a back-and-forth game between rivals in the NFL's toughest division.
"We talked about patience, maintaining composure, communication, and a good attitude, and that's what our players did," said coach Dan Campbell. "We didn't lose our heads when things got a little complicated."
Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 116 yards and scored two of Detroit's three touchdowns in the second quarter. He also helped Jared Goff advance 48 yards to put them in field goal range for the rookie kicker to seal the game, forcing the Vikings to use their timeouts.
Bates, who was found and extracted from the United Football League (UFL) after the unstable Michael Badgley was injured at the start of training camp, is 10 for 10 on field goals this season.
Goff completed 22 of 25 passes for 280 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers, in his third consecutive game with a rating of at least 140 points, joining Aaron Rodgers (2011), Kurt Warner (1999), and Roger Staubach (1971) as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to achieve that milestone.
"It doesn't run out. It's tough. It's competitive and reliable," Campbell said.
Gibbs totaled 150 total yards to lead a dominant performance by the Lions (5-1) on the offensive line against a defense that entered the game allowing an average of 3.6 yards per play, which was the second best in the league.
"It was very close to exploding," Campbell said, "and we felt that this was the game."
Ivan Pace Jr. returned a fumble by David Montgomery 36 yards for a touchdown with 5:50 remaining to give the Vikings (5-1) a one-point lead after trailing 21-10 at halftime, but Sam Darnold’s crucial pass on the two-point conversion attempt flew to Justin Jefferson.