Max Brosmer Enters NFL Record Books After Ugly Vikings Win Over Lions

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions 23-10 on Christmas Day. The surprising win came at Ford Field in Detroit. Rookie quarterback Max Brosmer started for the Vikings and made unique NFL history.

According to OptaSTATS, Brosmer achieved a statistical first. His performance was key to the Vikings securing their eighth victory of the 2025 season. The game was defined by a dominant defensive effort from Minnesota.

Defense Carries the Day for Minnesota

Minnesota’s defense was the true star of the game. They sacked Lions quarterback Jared Goff five times. The unit also forced six total turnovers against Detroit’s offense.

This defensive dominance allowed the Vikings to win despite minimal offensive production. Brosmer finished the game with only 51 passing yards. He was also sacked seven times by the Lions’ defense.

Analyzing Brosmer’s Unprecedented Stat Line

The rookie’s final numbers are what made history. Brosmer completed 9 of 16 passes for 51 yards. He threw zero touchdowns and zero interceptions in the contest.

OptaSTATS confirms Brosmer is the only quarterback in the Super Bowl era with this specific combination. He played the entire game, had under 70 passing yards, took seven-plus sacks, and still won. This odd stat line highlights how the victory was a true team effort, not a quarterback showcase.

The win raises questions about Minnesota’s immediate future. Starter J.J. McCarthy is recovering from a wrist injury. Brosmer, an undrafted free agent from New Hampshire, may start again in the season finale against the Green Bay Packers.

Max Brosmer’s place in NFL history is now secure after an ugly but effective Christmas win. The Vikings’ playoff hopes received a vital boost from a record-setting defensive performance and a historically modest game from their rookie quarterback.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What NFL record did Max Brosmer break?

He became the only QB in the Super Bowl era to start and win a full game with under 70 passing yards and seven or more sacks. This unique statistical combination was confirmed by OptaSTATS following the Christmas Day game.

Q2: How did the Vikings win if their QB played poorly?

The Minnesota defense completely stifled the Detroit Lions. They recorded five sacks and forced six turnovers, directly creating scoring opportunities and controlling the game’s tempo despite the offense’s struggles.

Q3: Who is Max Brosmer?

Max Brosmer is an undrafted rookie quarterback. He played his college football at the University of New Hampshire. This game against Detroit was just his second career NFL start.

Q4: Why was Brosmer starting for the Vikings?

He started because the team’s primary quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, is injured. McCarthy is dealing with a wrist issue that kept him out of the Christmas Day matchup against the division-rival Lions.

Q5: What was the final score of the Vikings-Lions game?

The Minnesota Vikings won the game by a score of 23 to 10. The victory took place on December 25, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.

Q6: What are the Vikings’ playoff chances after this win?

The win was their eighth of the season, keeping them in the NFC playoff conversation. Their final game against the Green Bay Packers will be crucial for their postseason hopes.