Lions beat Vikings 30-24

In a thrilling showdown between two fierce rivals, the Detroit Lions emerged victorious over the Minnesota Vikings with a final score of 30-24. The game was an intense battle from start to finish, showcasing the determination and skill of both teams.

From the opening kickoff, it was clear that this match would be one for the history books. The Lions' offense came out firing on all cylinders, led by their star quarterback who delivered precise passes and orchestrated impressive drives. Their offensive line provided excellent protection, allowing their running backs to find gaps in the Vikings' defense and gain crucial yardage.

The victory gives the Lions 11 wins on the season for the first time since 2014 and guarantees they will play at least their first playoff game in the friendly confines of Ford Field. The win also guarantees them at least the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs.

"That's a hell of a win," Lions head coach Dan Campbell said. "I'm proud of a number of people in this organization. Certainly, proud of the coaches and the players. Man, this is special. It's something you don't get to do all the time. It's always special to win the division, I don't care how many of them you get because of the work that goes into it.

One play after he sacked Goff for an 11-yard loss, Patrick Jones was called for a dubious roughing-the-passer penalty that made the Vikings livid. The crowd howled when Blackmon took a hand to the facemask that wasn't called.

Then later on that same drive, when Jordan Hicks hit Goff as he tried to let a pass go, the ball tumbled out and Camryn Bynum scooped it up for what would have been an 82-yard touchdown return. The call was overturned to an incompletion, and the Lions continued on for a field goal.

Though the Vikings playoff chances took a hit on Sunday, Hicks expressed how grateful he was to be back on the field with his teammates and in front of fans at U.S. Bank Stadium.

"There were plenty of moments that I was reminding myself that I was on the couch just a week ago watching this game," Hicks said. "I was saying out loud and telling the guys that we are lucky to do this. We are lucky to be in this opportunity. So there is a major, major appreciation for being back out there."

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Sarah H

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