Minnesota Vikings Defense Forces Six Turnovers to Eliminate Lions From Playoff Hunt

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions 20-10 on Christmas Day. The win at U.S. Bank Stadium completes a season sweep and officially ends Detroit’s playoff hopes. It was the Vikings’ fourth consecutive victory, fueled entirely by a historic defensive effort.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) runs past Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (4), and safety Jalen Mills to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

The Vikings’ defense recorded a stunning six takeaways against a Lions offense that rarely turned the ball over. This dominant performance masked an anemic offensive showing, lifting Minnesota to an 8-8 record and third place in the NFC North.

A Defensive Masterclass Secures Victory

The Lions entered the game with an NFL-best eight turnovers all season. Brian Flores’s Vikings defense nearly matched that total in one game. They forced five sacks, two interceptions, and recovered four fumbles.

According to game statistics, the list of defensive contributors was long. Harrison Smith had an interception and a sack. Andrew Van Ginkel recovered two fumbles. Byron Murphy Jr. also had an interception and a fumble recovery.

The unit was relentless from start to finish. Their pressure created constant chaos for Lions quarterback Jared Goff. This collective effort turned the tide despite the offense’s severe struggles.

Offensive Woes Overcome by Defensive Heroics

The Vikings’ offense managed only three net passing yards, the lowest for a winning team since 2006. Starting quarterback Max Brosmer was sacked seven times behind a patchwork offensive line. He finished with just 51 passing yards.

The running game provided a brief spark. Aaron Jones scored a one-yard touchdown in the first quarter. The game-sealing play came from receiver Jordan Addison, who took an end-around 65 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown.

Kicker Will Reichard provided the rest of the scoring. He made two long field goals from 52 and 56 yards. His reliability was crucial in a low-scoring, defensively-dominated contest.

The Vikings’ playoff path remains narrow, but their defiant four-game winning streak has been built on a suddenly legendary defense. That unit will need to carry them again in a critical Week 18 finale against the Green Bay Packers.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How many turnovers did the Vikings force?

The Vikings defense forced six total takeaways. This included two interceptions and four recovered fumbles against the Lions.

Q2: Who scored the Vikings’ touchdowns?

Running back Aaron Jones scored a one-yard rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Jordan Addison scored on a 65-yard end-around play in the fourth quarter.

Q3: What was unusual about the Vikings’ passing stats?

The Vikings had only three net passing yards. This was due to losing 48 yards on seven sacks, offsetting quarterback Max Brosmer’s 51 passing yards.

Q4: What does this loss mean for the Detroit Lions?

The loss eliminates the Lions from playoff contention. Both teams are 8-8, but Minnesota holds the tiebreaker after winning both head-to-head matchups this season.

Q5: Who were the defensive standouts for Minnesota?

Several players starred. Harrison Smith had a sack and interception. Andrew Van Ginkel recovered two fumbles. Byron Murphy Jr. also had an interception and fumble recovery.