Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats
Get ready for an exciting ride through one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries! The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats from their January 5, 2025 showdown at Ford Field tell a story of speed, power, and determination. This was the final game of the 2024 regular season, and both teams brought their A-game. The Detroit Lions walked away with a commanding 31-9 victory, clinching the NFC North title and the coveted #1 playoff seed.
In this detailed breakdown, we’ll explore every key moment of the player stats in a way that’s fun and easy to understand—even for kids as young as 6. We’ll look at who ran the fastest, who threw the farthest, and who made the biggest plays. Whether you cheer for the purple horns of the Vikings or the roaring Lions in Honolulu blue, these numbers show the heart of football. Let’s dive into the action!
Game Overview: Setting the Stage
Every great football game starts with the big picture. This match stats recap begins with how the points piled up and how each team performed overall.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score Breakdown
Here’s how the scoreboard changed play by play:
- First Quarter: The Lions struck first with a 25-yard touchdown run by Jahmyr Gibbs. The Vikings couldn’t answer. Score: 0-7
- Second Quarter: Minnesota’s kicker, Will Reichard, nailed two field goals—one from 25 yards and another from 31 yards—to make it close. The Lions added a 48-yard field goal just before halftime. Score: 6-10
- Third Quarter: Reichard boomed a 51-yard field goal, the longest of the game. But the Lions answered back with a touchdown pass to Gibbs. Score: 9-17
- Fourth Quarter: Detroit pulled away with two more rushing touchdowns by Gibbs—one from 13 yards and a final one from 4 yards. Final Score: 9-31
Field goals are like long-distance shots in basketball—they take skill and focus. The Vikings stayed in it early, but the Lions’ touchdowns were too much to overcome.
Full Team Performance Stats
Teams measure success in yards, first downs, and time with the ball. Here’s a side-by-side look at the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats for the entire game:
| Statistic | Minnesota Vikings | Detroit Lions |
| Total Yards | 262 | 394 |
| Rushing Yards | 120 | 190 |
| Passing Yards | 142 | 204 |
| First Downs | 14 | 24 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 4/13 | 8/14 |
| Time of Possession | 23:48 | 36:12 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 (INTs) |
| Penalties | 6 (55 yards) | 8 (70 yards) |
| Sacks Allowed | 2 | 0 |
The Lions controlled the game like a chess master. Holding the ball for over 36 minutes tired out the Vikings’ defense. More first downs meant more chances to score. These player stats show why time of possession is a hidden superpower in football.
Top Offensive Performers in the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats
Offense is where the excitement lives—running, throwing, and catching to put points on the board. Let’s meet the stars who made the match shine.
Rushing Attack: Ground and Pound
Running backs are like race cars with blockers. They zoom through holes and dodge defenders. Here are the top rushers from the match:
- Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions):
- 23 carries
- 139 rushing yards
- 3 rushing touchdowns (25, 13, and 4 yards)
- Longest run: 47 yards
- Also caught 5 passes for 31 yards and 1 receiving TD
- Total: 4 touchdowns – a career day!
- Cam Akers (Minnesota Vikings):
- 6 carries
- 65 yards
- Longest run: 58 yards – nearly a touchdown!
- Aaron Jones (Minnesota Vikings):
- 10 carries
- 45 yards
- Added 5 receptions for 30 yards – a dual-threat!
- Craig Reynolds (Detroit Lions):
- 8 carries
- 39 yards
- Key backup support for Gibbs.
Gibbs wasn’t just good—he was unstoppable. His four total touchdowns made him the clear MVP of the match. Imagine scoring four goals in a soccer game—that’s how big this was!
Quarterback Duel: Leaders on the Field
Quarterbacks are the brains of the offense. They read defenses and make split-second decisions. Here’s how the QBs performed in the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats:
- Jared Goff (Detroit Lions):
- 27 completions out of 33 attempts (82% completion rate)
- 231 passing yards
- 1 touchdown pass (to Gibbs)
- 2 interceptions
- Passer rating: 80.7
- No sacks taken – great protection!
- Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings):
- 18 completions out of 41 attempts
- 166 passing yards
- 0 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- Passer rating: 55.5
- Sacked 2 times for 24 yards lost.
Goff’s accuracy was laser-sharp, even with two picks. Darnold stayed calm under pressure but couldn’t find the end zone. These stats show how one great throw can change everything.
Receiving Corps: Hands of Glory
Receivers are acrobats with glue on their gloves. Here are the top catchers from the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats:
Detroit Lions Receivers
| Player | Catches | Yards | Longest | TD |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | 6 | 77 | 23 | 0 |
| Sam LaPorta (TE) | 7 | 63 | 18 | 0 |
| Jameson Williams | 6 | 34 | 12 | 0 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) | 5 | 31 | 11 | 1 |
| Tim Patrick | 2 | 15 | 9 | 0 |
Minnesota Vikings Receivers
| Player | Catches | Yards | Longest | TD |
| Justin Jefferson | 3 | 54 | 31 | 0 |
| Jalen Nailor | 3 | 53 | 27 | 0 |
| Aaron Jones (RB) | 5 | 30 | 12 | 0 |
| T.J. Hockenson (TE) | 2 | 9 | 7 | 0 |
| Josh Oliver (TE) | 2 | 16 | 10 | 0 |
Justin Jefferson may have had only 3 catches, but his 31-yard grab was a thing of beauty. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta gave the Lions reliable targets all game. Spreading the ball kept the Vikings’ defense guessing.
Defense and Special Teams: Unsung Heroes
Defense stops the other team cold. Special teams flip the field. Both played big roles in the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats.
Defensive Standouts
- Minnesota Vikings Defense:
- Forced 2 interceptions – huge momentum swings!
- Recorded 2 sacks on Goff.
- Held Lions to 204 net passing yards.
- But struggled vs. the run, allowing 190 yards.
- Detroit Lions Defense:
- 2 sacks on Darnold.
- Limited Vikings to just 9 points – no touchdowns allowed!
- 8 tackles for loss – stopped plays behind the line.
The Lions’ run defense was a brick wall. The Vikings’ secondary snagged picks but couldn’t stop Gibbs.
Special Teams Spotlight
Kickers and punters are precision experts.
- Will Reichard (Vikings):
- 3 for 3 on field goals: 25, 31, and 51 yards
- The 51-yarder was the longest kick of the game!
- Jake Bates (Lions):
- 1 for 1 on field goals: 48 yards
- Perfect on 4 extra points.
Punting and kick returns also mattered. The Lions averaged 48.2 yards per punt, pinning the Vikings deep.
Game-Changing Moments in the Match
Every game has turning points—like plot twists in your favorite movie. Here are the top five from the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats:
- Gibbs’ 25-yard TD Run (Q1, 8:42 left) – A lightning bolt to start the game.
- Reichard’s 51-yard FG (Q3, 10:15) – Gave Vikings hope at 9-10.
- Vikings’ 2nd Interception (Q3, 6:30) – Set up the long field goal.
- Gibbs’ 13-yard TD Run (Q4, 12:55) – Put Lions up 24-9.
- Gibbs’ 4-yard TD Run (Q4, 5:20) – Final nail in the coffin.
These moments are why fans rewatch highlights for years. Each play shifted energy and excitement.
Why Player Stats Matter to Young Fans
Stats aren’t just numbers—they’re stories of courage and teamwork. In the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats, we see:
- Jahmyr Gibbs teaching us that speed + vision = touchdowns.
- Justin Jefferson showing that one big catch can inspire a team.
- Will Reichard proving practice makes perfect from 50+ yards.
For kids, think of it like this:
- Yards = steps toward the treasure chest (end zone).
- First downs = earning extra turns in a board game.
- Touchdowns = scoring the winning goal!
The Lions’ 190 rushing yards were their highest against any NFC North team in 2024. That’s like running nearly two football fields end to end! The Vikings now know: Stop the run, win the game.
Historical Context: A Rivalry Since 1961
This wasn’t their first rodeo. The Vikings and Lions have battled 88 times since 1961. Detroit leads the series slightly, but every game feels like a playoff. In 2024, they split their two matchups—this January 5, 2025, game was the tiebreaker.
Fun fact: The Lions’ 31 points were their most ever in a season finale vs. Minnesota. History was made in these match !
What’s Next? The Rematch is Coming!
Circle your calendars! The next chapter of the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats drops on November 2, 2025, at Ford Field. Will the Vikings strengthen their run defense? Can Gibbs repeat his magic? Will Jefferson explode for 100+ yards?
Early predictions:
- Vikings add a new running back in the offseason.
- Lions focus on protecting Goff better.
Get your popcorn ready—this rivalry never sleeps.
How to Track Your Own Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats
Want to be a football detective? Here’s how kids and families can follow along:
- Download the NFL App – Live stats during games.
- Make a Stat Sheet – Write down yards and TDs each quarter.
- Create a Player Card – Track Gibbs, Jefferson, and more all season.
- Draw a Yardage Map – Color in how far each team runs!
- Join a Fantasy League (Kid-Friendly) – Pick players and cheer!
Math + football = super fun learning.
FAQ
What was the final score in the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats on January 5, 2025?
The Detroit Lions won 31-9, scoring four touchdowns—all from Jahmyr Gibbs.
Who had the most rushing yards in the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats?
Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 139 yards and 3 touchdowns, plus one receiving score.
How many passing yards did Jared Goff throw in the match?
Goff threw for 231 yards with 1 TD and an 82% completion rate.
Did the Minnesota Vikings score any touchdowns in the match?
No—all 9 points came from three field goals by Will Reichard.
When is the next Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats update?
Mark November 2, 2025—the rematch at Ford Field!
Why did the Lions control the game in the game stats?
They held the ball for 36:12 and gained 24 first downs—wearing down the Vikings.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats from January 5, 2025, delivered pure NFL magic. Jahmyr Gibbs danced through defenders for 139 yards and 4 touchdowns, Jared Goff sliced the air with 231 passing yards, and Will Reichard launched a 51-yard field goal that soared like an eagle. Though the Lions celebrated a 31-9 win, the Vikings fought with pride—Justin Jefferson’s 54 yards and two interceptions kept hope alive.
These Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats are more than numbers. They’re lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and joy. For young fans, they spark dreams of running under stadium lights. As the 2025 season approaches, this game fuels the fire of one of the NFL’s best rivalries.
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