Vikings Defense Dominates, Jordan Addison Seals It With 65-Yard Jet Sweep as Lions Get Eliminated
MINNEAPOLIS - On a cold December night in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Vikings sent a message loud and clear: they’re not done yet. Fueled by a relentless defense and a game-breaking run from rookie wideout Jordan Addison, the Vikings took down the Detroit Lions 23-10, officially knocking their division rivals out of the playoff picture.
Let’s start with the play that sealed it. With just under four minutes to go, Addison took a jet sweep handoff and turned on the burners, racing 65 yards untouched around the right edge for the game-clinching touchdown.
It was the kind of play that showcased both Addison’s speed and Minnesota’s creativity in the run game - and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The Vikings had managed just 75 net yards of offense before that moment.
Addison’s dash wasn’t just a highlight-reel play - it was a dagger. And it capped off a night where Minnesota’s defense did the heavy lifting.
A Defensive Clinic
The Vikings forced six turnovers - yes, six - and sacked Jared Goff five times. Fourteen-year veteran Harrison Smith turned back the clock with a vintage performance, notching both an interception and a sack. His leadership on the back end was crucial, especially with the Vikings playing without several key starters on both sides of the ball.
Goff, who’s typically one of the league’s more careful quarterbacks, had a night to forget. He lost three fumbles - one on a sack and two on botched snaps from backup center Kingsley Eguakun - and was under pressure all game long. The Lions offense looked out of sync from the jump, and the Vikings defense made sure it stayed that way.
Minnesota’s front seven feasted on a banged-up Detroit offensive line. With left tackle Taylor Decker sidelined and Graham Glasgow active but not starting, the Lions were forced to shuffle up front - and the Vikings took full advantage.
Rookie QB Holds Steady
On the other side, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer got the start for Minnesota in place of the injured J.J. McCarthy.
Brosmer didn’t light up the stat sheet - he finished 9-of-16 for 51 yards and took seven sacks - but he did what was asked of him: protect the football. And that was enough.
With the offensive line missing both starting tackles and the center, plus their tight end, the Vikings leaned on ball security and field position. Brosmer’s composure under pressure helped set up three field goals from Will Reichard, and when the defense is playing like that, sometimes that’s all you need.
Goff’s Lone Bright Spot
Goff did manage to lead one impressive drive late in the second quarter - a 19-play, 80-yard march that chewed up over 10 minutes and ended with a touchdown pass to Isaac TeSlaa. That score marked the first passing touchdown the Vikings had allowed in seven games, which speaks volumes about how well Minnesota’s secondary has been performing down the stretch.
But that was about it for Detroit’s offense. The rest of the night was a series of missed opportunities, broken plays, and turnovers that ultimately cost them a shot at the postseason.
Playoff Picture Shake-Up
With the Lions falling to 8-8, the Green Bay Packers clinched at least a wild-card spot and now have a shot to steal the NFC North crown from the Chicago Bears. That’s a significant swing, especially considering Detroit had won the division the past two years. Minnesota, who claimed the title the year before that, isn’t in the mix for the crown this time, but they’re certainly playing spoiler with style.
Injury Notes
Detroit came into the game already depleted in the secondary. Linebacker Alex Anzalone and safety Thomas Harper were both sidelined with concussions, while Avonte Maddox sat out with a back injury.
The Lions were already without Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, both on injured reserve, leaving them dangerously thin on the back end. Up front, Eguakun started in place of Glasgow, and Decker was out with a shoulder issue.
Defensive tackle Alim McNeill also aggravated an abdominal injury during the game.
Minnesota didn’t escape unscathed either. Myles Price injured his ankle on the opening kickoff and didn’t return, and running back Jordan Mason was inactive with an ankle issue.
What’s Next
The regular season wraps up in Week 18, with the Lions hosting the Bears and the Vikings welcoming the Packers to town. Both games are set for January 3 or 4, and while Detroit’s playoff hopes are now gone, Minnesota still has a chance to finish strong - and maybe spoil another rival’s postseason plans.
One thing’s for sure: the Vikings aren’t going quietly.