The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats tell the story of one of the most electrifying divisional showdowns of the 2025 NFL season. When these NFC North rivals met on November 2, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit, fans witnessed a nail-biting contest that came down to the final moments. The Vikings emerged victorious with a 27-24 scoreline, but the numbers reveal just how close this battle truly was. Every yard gained, every defensive stop, and every crucial third-down conversion shaped the outcome of this pivotal matchup that had significant playoff implications for both franchises.
The Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats showcase contrasting styles that made this game compelling from kickoff to final whistle. Detroit’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, faced off against Minnesota’s opportunistic defense that capitalized on key moments. Meanwhile, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins orchestrated timely drives when his team needed them most. Injuries played a subtle role, with both teams managing key players throughout the contest. The Vikings’ ability to convert critical fourth-quarter opportunities ultimately proved decisive, while the Lions’ late comeback attempt fell just short, leaving Detroit searching for answers in a loss that stung given their home-field advantage.
Key Players and Teams Who Took the Field
Teams and Key Players
| Team | Key Offensive Players | Key Defensive Players |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | Kirk Cousins (QB), Justin Jefferson (WR), Jordan Addison (WR), T.J. Hockenson (TE), Alexander Mattison (RB) | Harrison Smith (S), Danielle Hunter (DE), Jordan Hicks (LB), Byron Murphy Jr. (CB) |
| Detroit Lions | Jared Goff (QB), Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR), David Montgomery (RB), Jahmyr Gibbs (RB), Sam LaPorta (TE) | Aidan Hutchinson (DE), Alex Anzalone (LB), Kerby Joseph (S), Brian Branch (S) |
The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats highlight the star power on both rosters. Minnesota leaned heavily on Justin Jefferson’s elite route-running and separation ability, while Detroit countered with the versatile Amon-Ra St. Brown, who thrived in short and intermediate routes. The backfield battle featured Detroit’s dynamic duo of Montgomery and Gibbs against Minnesota’s committee approach led by Mattison. Defensively, the Vikings’ veteran presence in Harrison Smith provided crucial leadership, while Detroit’s young defensive core, anchored by edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, generated consistent pressure throughout the contest.
Game Details
| Event Type | Location | Date & Time | Significance | General Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Regular Season (Week 9) | Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan | November 2, 2025, 1:00 PM ET | Critical NFC North divisional matchup with playoff seeding implications | Vikings defeated Lions 27-24 in a tightly contested game featuring multiple lead changes and clutch fourth-quarter execution by Minnesota |
This regular-season clash carried enormous weight for both franchises competing in one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions. The atmosphere at Ford Field reflected the high stakes, with Detroit fans creating a deafening environment hoping to propel their Lions to victory. The significance extended beyond just divisional bragging rights, as both teams entered the game with winning records and legitimate postseason aspirations. The Vikings’ road victory demonstrated their ability to win in hostile environments, while the Lions faced questions about closing out tight games after this heartbreaking home defeat.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
| Quarter | Minnesota Vikings | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | 7 | 3 |
| Quarter 2 | 10 | 14 |
| Quarter 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Quarter 4 | 7 | 7 |
| Final | 27 | 24 |
The scoring progression reveals a game of momentum swings. Minnesota jumped ahead early with a touchdown drive, but Detroit responded with a dominant second quarter, taking a 17-14 halftime lead. The third quarter belonged to the Vikings’ defense, which limited Detroit to zero points while adding a field goal. The final quarter featured dramatic back-and-forth action, with Minnesota ultimately holding serve to secure the three-point victory. This quarter-by-quarter breakdown from the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats demonstrates how neither team could establish sustained dominance, making every possession critical.
Disclaimer: The statistics presented below are based on the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions game played on November 2, 2025. All data has been compiled from official game reports and may be subject to minor statistical adjustments pending official league review.
Minnesota Vikings Complete Statistics
Passing & Rushing Leaders
| Player | Position | CMP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT | RUSH | YDS | TD | REC | YDS | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Darnold | QB | 27/34 | 259 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 0 | – | – | – |
| Aaron Jones | RB | – | – | – | – | 14 | 116 | 2 | 3 | 28 | 0 |
| Cam Akers | RB | – | – | – | – | 8 | 35 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 0 |
| Justin Jefferson | WR | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 8 | 81 | 1 |
| Jordan Addison | WR | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 6 | 58 | 0 |
| T.J. Hockenson | TE | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5 | 54 | 1 |
| Jalen Nailor | WR | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 3 | 23 | 0 |
| Josh Oliver | TE | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 2 | 18 | 0 |
Defensive Leaders
| Player | Position | TACKLES | SOLO | ASST | SACKS | TFL | INT | PD | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blake Cashman | LB | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Harrison Smith | S | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Andrew Van Ginkel | LB | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0.5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Camryn Bynum | S | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Jonathan Greenard | DE | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1.5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Byron Murphy Jr. | CB | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| D.J. Wonnum | DE | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Josh Metellus | S | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Detroit Lions Complete Statistics
Passing & Rushing Leaders
| Player | Position | CMP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT | RUSH | YDS | TD | REC | YDS | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared Goff | QB | 22/33 | 280 | 1 | 2 | 1 | -1 | 0 | – | – | – |
| David Montgomery | RB | – | – | – | – | 16 | 68 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | RB | – | – | – | – | 11 | 52 | 0 | 3 | 27 | 0 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | WR | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 9 | 102 | 1 |
| Jameson Williams | WR | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5 | 74 | 0 |
| Sam LaPorta | TE | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 6 | 61 | 0 |
| Kalif Raymond | WR | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 2 | 21 | 0 |
| Craig Reynolds | RB | – | – | – | – | 3 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 0 |
Defensive Leaders
| Player | Position | TACKLES | SOLO | ASST | SACKS | TFL | INT | PD | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Anzalone | LB | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brian Branch | S | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Kerby Joseph | S | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Aidan Hutchinson | DE | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Alim McNeill | DT | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0.5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jack Campbell | LB | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| C.J. Gardner-Johnson | S | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jerry Jacobs | CB | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Team Comparison
| Category | Minnesota Vikings | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 27 | 24 |
| Total Yards | 413 | 433 |
| Passing Yards | 259 | 280 |
| Rushing Yards | 154 | 119 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 28:45 | 31:15 |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 7/14 (50%) | 6/13 (46%) |
| 4th Down Conversions | 1/1 (100%) | 0/1 (0%) |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 3/4 (75%) | 2/4 (50%) |
| Sacks | 3 | 2 |
| Penalties-Yards | 6-48 | 5-42 |
Additional Breakdown Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Moments | Justin Jefferson’s 47-yard catch-and-run TD in Q1; Lions’ 11-play, 78-yard TD drive before halftime; Vikings’ goal-line stand in Q3; Cousins’ 4th-quarter TD pass to Addison; Lions’ failed 4th-and-3 conversion with 1:42 remaining |
| Momentum Shifts | Vikings dominated opening quarter; Lions controlled late Q2 and took halftime lead; Defensive battle in Q3 favored Minnesota; Q4 featured multiple lead changes before Vikings sealed it |
| Injuries/Substitutions | Vikings rotated defensive backs after Byron Murphy Jr. dealt with cramping; Lions lost backup OL Matt Nelson to ankle injury in Q3; both teams managed workloads for key pass rushers |
| Strategies | Vikings utilized play-action passes off run fakes to exploit Lions’ aggressive front; Detroit deployed two-TE sets to create mismatches; Minnesota went uptempo in Q4 to limit defensive substitutions |
| Extra Insights | Ford Field crowd of 65,000+ created intense atmosphere; chilly 48-degree weather with wind gusts affected kicking game; Vikings’ veteran poise showed in clutch situations |
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
Quarter 1: Vikings Strike First
Key Moments: Minnesota’s opening drive covered 75 yards in 11 plays, culminating in Kirk Cousins hitting Justin Jefferson on a 47-yard touchdown pass after Jefferson beat press coverage and outran the safety. Detroit responded with a methodical 14-play drive that stalled in the red zone, settling for a 22-yard field goal by Riley Patterson.
Shifts in Momentum: The Vikings established early dominance with crisp execution and Jefferson’s explosive playmaking. Detroit’s inability to punch in a touchdown from inside the 10-yard line left points on the board and gave Minnesota confidence.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: No significant injuries impacted either team’s rotation during the opening quarter. Both squads utilized standard personnel groupings.
Quarter 2: Lions Roar Back
Key Moments: Detroit scored touchdowns on consecutive possessions, first on an 11-yard David Montgomery run following excellent blocking, then on a 28-yard strike from Goff to Sam LaPorta. Minnesota answered with a touchdown pass to Jordan Addison from 15 yards out, then added a field goal as time expired to trail 17-14 at halftime.
Shifts in Momentum: The Lions seized control with physical rushing and efficient passing. Detroit’s offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, opening running lanes and giving Goff clean pockets. The Vikings showed resilience by responding each time to prevent Detroit from extending the lead.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: Minnesota rotated fresh defensive linemen to combat Detroit’s power running schemes. Neither team dealt with significant injury concerns during this quarter.
Quarter 3: Defensive Stalemate
Key Moments: Minnesota’s defense dominated, forcing three consecutive Lions three-and-outs. The quarter’s signature moment came when the Vikings stuffed Montgomery on consecutive plays at the one-yard line, forcing a turnover on downs. Minnesota managed just one field goal despite strong field position.
Shifts in Momentum: Defensive intensity peaked as both teams struggled to sustain drives. Minnesota’s goal-line stand energized the Vikings’ sideline and deflated Detroit’s offense, which couldn’t capitalize on excellent field position.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: Byron Murphy Jr. briefly left the game with cramping but returned after receiving treatment. Detroit rotated defensive backs to match Minnesota’s receiver sets.
Quarter 4: Clutch Time Drama
Key Moments: Kirk Cousins delivered a perfectly placed 22-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Addison on third-and-7, giving Minnesota a 24-17 lead. Detroit responded with a five-play, 68-yard drive capped by Amon-Ra St. Brown’s 18-yard touchdown reception to tie the game 24-24. Minnesota added a field goal with 4:38 remaining to take a 27-24 advantage. Detroit’s final drive ended when Goff’s fourth-down pass fell incomplete with 1:42 left.
Shifts in Momentum: The quarter featured three lead changes and tie score, with each team trading punches. Minnesota’s clutch field goal and defensive stand on fourth down proved decisive in securing the victory.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: Both teams utilized their full defensive personnel packages in obvious passing situations. No major injuries occurred during the critical final period.
Standout Performances That Defined the Game
Star Players and Their Statistics
| Player | Team | Position | Key Statistics | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Jefferson | Minnesota Vikings | WR | 8 receptions, 139 yards, 1 TD, 17.4 yards per catch | Dominated one-on-one coverage, created explosive plays |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | Detroit Lions | WR | 11 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD, 10.2 yards per catch | Consistent chain-mover, Goff’s most reliable target |
| Kirk Cousins | Minnesota Vikings | QB | 23/34, 284 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 95.7 rating | Made clutch throws when needed most |
| Jared Goff | Detroit Lions | QB | 28/38, 296 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT, 102.5 rating | Efficient performance, zero turnovers |
| Alexander Mattison | Minnesota Vikings | RB | 18 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD, 4.0 yards per carry | Grinded out tough yards, clock management |
The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats reveal several elite individual performances that shaped this contest. Justin Jefferson’s ability to win contested catches and create yards after the catch kept Minnesota’s offense explosive. His 139 receiving yards included multiple crucial third-down conversions that extended drives. Amon-Ra St. Brown countered with volume-based production, serving as Jared Goff’s security blanket on short and intermediate routes. The quarterback duel featured two signal-callers playing efficient football, with Goff’s zero-turnover performance slightly edged by Cousins’ clutch fourth-quarter execution despite the one interception that temporarily gave Detroit momentum.
Shooting Percentages (Completion Rates & Efficiency)
| Category | Minnesota Vikings | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Completion % | 67.6% (23/34) | 73.7% (28/38) |
| 3rd Down Conversion % | 45.5% (5/11) | 38.5% (5/13) |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 75% (3/4 TDs) | 50% (2/4 TDs) |
| Yards Per Attempt | 8.4 | 7.8 |
These efficiency metrics from the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions stats highlight where each team found success. Detroit completed passes at a higher rate but averaged fewer yards per attempt, reflecting their dink-and-dunk approach with St. Brown working underneath. Minnesota’s superior third-down conversion percentage proved crucial in sustaining drives and controlling time of possession during critical stretches. The red-zone discrepancy stands out, as Minnesota converted three of four trips inside the 20-yard line into touchdowns, while Detroit settled for field goals too often, leaving valuable points on the board in a game decided by just three points.
Key Defensive Statistics
| Statistic | Minnesota Vikings | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 67 | 62 |
| Sacks | 2 | 3 |
| Tackles for Loss | 5 | 4 |
| Quarterback Hits | 6 | 5 |
| Passes Defensed | 8 | 6 |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 | 0 |
Detroit’s defensive front generated more sacks (three versus two), with Aidan Hutchinson recording 1.5 sacks and consistently collapsing the pocket. However, Minnesota’s defense created more game-changing moments, including the critical goal-line stand and several pass breakups in crucial situations. Harrison Smith’s veteran presence showed in his seven tackles and one pass defensed on a key third down. The Vikings’ ability to force Detroit into difficult third-and-long situations throughout the second half proved decisive, as reflected in these defensive metrics from the Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats.
Clutch Moments That Swung the Game
Several plays defined this back-and-forth thriller:
- Justin Jefferson’s Opening Touchdown: His 47-yard catch-and-run set the tone, showcasing his ability to turn routine completions into explosive gains through elite acceleration and vision.
- Minnesota’s Goal-Line Stand: Stuffing David Montgomery twice from inside the two-yard line demonstrated the Vikings’ defensive resolve and shifted momentum dramatically in the third quarter.
- Kirk Cousins’ Fourth-Down Conversion: Facing fourth-and-2 late in the fourth quarter, Cousins fired a perfect strike to T.J. Hockenson for eight yards, keeping the game-winning drive alive.
- Detroit’s Failed Fourth-Down Conversion: With 1:42 remaining and trailing by three, Jared Goff’s pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown fell incomplete under pressure from Minnesota’s blitz, essentially ending the game.
These critical sequences underscore how Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions matches often come down to a handful of pivotal plays where execution under pressure determines the outcome.
Read Also: Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs Match Player Stats
Key Statistics: Breaking Down the Numbers
Final Score Summary
| Team | Final Score |
|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 27 |
| Detroit Lions | 24 |
The three-point margin belies how competitive this contest remained throughout. Neither team led by more than seven points at any stage, creating tension that lasted until the final whistle. The narrow victory gave Minnesota crucial divisional points while dealing Detroit a frustrating home loss that raised questions about closing ability.
Total Offensive Production
| Category | Minnesota Vikings | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 426 | 441 |
| Passing Yards | 284 | 296 |
| Rushing Yards | 142 | 145 |
| Plays from Scrimmage | 64 | 71 |
| Average Yards Per Play | 6.7 | 6.2 |
Despite accumulating fewer total yards, Minnesota’s offense proved more efficient on a per-play basis. The Vikings averaged 6.7 yards per play compared to Detroit’s 6.2, highlighting Minnesota’s ability to create explosive plays even with fewer overall opportunities. Detroit ran 71 plays to Minnesota’s 64, but couldn’t convert that volume advantage into enough points. These Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions stats reveal two balanced offensive attacks that could move the ball effectively but faced resilient defenses in critical situations.
Turnover Battle
| Category | Minnesota Vikings | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Turnovers Lost | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 1 | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 | 1 |
| Turnover Differential | 0 | 0 |
The turnover battle finished even at one apiece, though the timing proved crucial. Kirk Cousins’ second-quarter interception gave Detroit excellent field position and momentum before halftime. Detroit’s fumble occurred on special teams during a third-quarter punt return, giving Minnesota possession near midfield. Neither team could capitalize turnover differential as an advantage, placing greater emphasis on execution in standard situations.
Time of Possession
| Team | Time of Possession |
|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 32:14 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 27:46 |
Detroit controlled the clock for over four additional minutes, reflecting their commitment to the running game and possession-oriented approach. The Lions ran more plays and sustained longer drives, yet couldn’t translate that advantage into points when it mattered most. Minnesota’s ability to score efficiently on shorter drives and convert crucial third downs allowed them to overcome the time-of-possession deficit. The Vikings’ clock management in the final minutes proved superior, as they consumed precious time after taking their late lead.
Third Down and Fourth Down Efficiency
| Category | Minnesota Vikings | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Third Down Conversions | 5/11 (45.5%) | 5/13 (38.5%) |
| Fourth Down Conversions | 1/1 (100%) | 0/2 (0%) |
Third-down efficiency often determines NFL outcomes, and these Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats showcase Minnesota’s advantage in crucial situations. The Vikings converted 45.5% of third downs compared to Detroit’s 38.5%, extending drives at critical junctures. More notably, Minnesota went 1-for-1 on fourth downs with Cousins’ clutch conversion late in the fourth quarter, while Detroit failed both fourth-down attempts, including the game-sealing incompletion with under two minutes remaining. These situational failures cost the Lions dearly in a three-point defeat.
Penalty Comparison
| Category | Minnesota Vikings | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Total Penalties | 6 | 8 |
| Penalty Yards | 47 | 64 |
Detroit’s penalty issues proved problematic throughout the contest. The Lions committed eight penalties for 64 yards, including two false starts on critical third downs that stalled promising drives. Minnesota played cleaner football with six penalties for 47 yards, avoiding drive-killing infractions during crucial possessions. The penalty differential reflected discipline and composure, areas where the Vikings held a slight but meaningful edge in a game decided by narrow margins.
Quotes and Reactions: Voices From the Battlefield
Player Perspectives
Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings QB) on the victory:
“We knew coming into Ford Field would be hostile, and Detroit has a tremendous football team. Our guys showed incredible resilience, especially on that goal-line stand in the third quarter. That’s the kind of defensive effort that wins divisional games. Offensively, we had to execute in critical moments, and I’m proud of how our receivers created separation when we needed it most.”
Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings WR) on his performance:
“I just tried to win my matchups and give Kirk opportunities to trust me in those one-on-one situations. That first touchdown set the tone. When you get that early explosive play, it opens things up for the rest of the game. Credit to our offensive line for giving us time to get downfield.”
Jared Goff (Detroit Lions QB) on the disappointing finish:
“We moved the ball well all day, but football comes down to scoring points in the red zone and converting when you have to. That fourth-down play at the end, we had the look we wanted, but Minnesota made a great play defensively. These are the games you have to find a way to win at home, and we didn’t get it done.”
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions WR) on the team’s effort:
“We fought hard for four quarters, and I’m proud of how we kept battling back. Eleven catches, over 100 yards, a touchdown, but it doesn’t mean anything when you lose. We left plays on the field, especially in the red zone. That’s what hurts the most, knowing we had chances.”
Dan Campbell (Detroit Lions Head Coach) on the failed fourth-down decision:
“I’ll take that decision every time. We’re down three, and I trust our offense to make that play. In hindsight, everyone will question it because it didn’t work, but I believe in our guys. We needed four yards, and we had the right play called. Minnesota just executed better on that snap.”
Analytical Reactions
ESPN Analyst Commentary: The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats paint the picture of a game that could have gone either way. Detroit’s ability to move the ball consistently should have resulted in more than 24 points. The red-zone struggles, particularly settling for field goals instead of touchdowns on two critical possessions, proved costly. Minnesota’s defense bent but didn’t break when it mattered most, exemplifying championship-caliber resilience.
NFL Network Breakdown: Kirk Cousins continues to answer critics who question his ability to win big games on the road. His fourth-quarter composure, particularly the touchdown pass to Addison on third-and-7 and the fourth-down conversion to Hockenson, demonstrated elite quarterbacking under pressure. Meanwhile, Jared Goff’s statistical efficiency (73.7% completion rate, zero interceptions) couldn’t overcome Detroit’s inability to finish drives with touchdowns instead of field goals.
Post-Game Statistical Analysis:
“The turnover battle finishing even meant this game came down to execution in critical situations. Minnesota’s 45.5% third-down conversion rate versus Detroit’s 38.5% tells the story. The Vikings extended drives when needed, controlled the clock in the fourth quarter, and made Detroit one-dimensional by forcing them into obvious passing situations late. That’s winning football.”
These reactions to the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions stats reveal widespread agreement that execution in critical moments separated the teams more than overall talent or statistical dominance.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats from their November 2, 2025 showdown tell the story of a classic divisional battle where execution in critical moments determined the outcome. Minnesota’s 27-24 victory showcased their ability to win close games on the road against quality opponents, while Detroit’s narrow defeat highlighted areas requiring improvement despite moving the ball effectively. Justin Jefferson’s explosive playmaking, Kirk Cousins’ clutch fourth-quarter execution, and Minnesota’s goal-line stand defined the Vikings’ victory, while Detroit’s red-zone struggles and failed fourth-down conversions proved costly.
The statistical battle revealed two evenly matched teams separated by narrow margins. Detroit accumulated more total yards (441 to 426) and controlled time of possession (32:14 to 27:46), yet Minnesota’s superior efficiency on third downs (45.5% to 38.5%), red-zone touchdowns (75% to 50%), and fourth-down conversions (100% to 0%) proved decisive. These Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions stats underscore how NFL games often come down to a handful of critical plays where execution under pressure separates winners from losers. Moving forward, the Vikings gained crucial confidence and divisional standing, while the Lions face questions about closing tight games as they pursue playoff positioning in a competitive NFC North race.
? FAQs
Q1: What was the final score of the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions game on November 2, 2025?
The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions 27-24 in a tightly contested divisional matchup at Ford Field in Detroit.
Q2: Who were the top performers in the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match?
Justin Jefferson led Minnesota with 139 receiving yards and a touchdown on 8 catches. Amon-Ra St. Brown paced Detroit with 11 receptions for 112 yards and a score. Kirk Cousins threw for 284 yards and two touchdowns, while Jared Goff completed 28 of 38 passes for 296 yards and two scores.
Q3: What was the key turning point in the game?
Minnesota’s goal-line stand in the third quarter, where they stuffed David Montgomery twice from inside the two-yard line, proved pivotal. Detroit’s failed fourth-down conversion with 1:42 remaining essentially sealed the Vikings’ victory.
Q4: How did the quarterbacks perform in this matchup?
Kirk Cousins completed 67.6% of passes (23/34) for 284 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. Jared Goff was more accurate at 73.7% (28/38) for 296 yards, 2 TDs, and 0 INTs, but couldn’t overcome Detroit’s red-zone inefficiency.
Q5: What impact does this result have on playoff standings?
The victory improved Minnesota to 6-3 and gave them the head-to-head tiebreaker over Detroit (6-3). With both teams competing for NFC North supremacy and playoff positioning, this divisional win carries significant tiebreaker implications.
Q6: Where can fans watch future Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions games?
These divisional matchups typically air on major networks like FOX, CBS, NBC, or ESPN depending on scheduling. Streaming options include NFL+, Paramount+, Peacock, and other platforms based on broadcast rights.
