National Football League

Vikings at Lions Recap, Highlights, Final Score, and More

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Both games between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings have gone down to the wire, but the Lions prevailed in the first and now the second on Thanksgiving.

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The Detroit Lions were absolutely shunned by the Minnesota Vikings defense in the second half until the dying minutes in the fourth quarter. That was when Matthew Stafford drove his team from the 2-yard line in their own territory to knock in the game-tying field goal.

With 1:45 left on the game clock, Minnesota was given the opportunity to rebound and march their way down the field. Then out of nowhere, Sam Bradford threw a horrendous interception to the hands of cornerback Darius Slay. Once again, mental lapses and penalties struck Minnesota in the foot. Now the Detroit Lions now have sole possession of first place in the NFC North and 50 percent chance of winning the division.

Detroit has needed every last minute in most of their games to complete the victory, but a win is a win. Stafford is starting to prove that he may be worthy of MVP consideration.

Meanwhile, the bleeding continues in the land of 10,000 lakes as the offensive line continues to lose players to injury and, in turn, they cannot run the ball. Moreover, their once reliable defense has started to spring too many leaks.

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Unfortunately for them, they welcome the NFC best Dallas Cowboys to U.S. Bank Stadium next Thursday. Now 6-5 with a possible 6-6 hanging in the horizon, Minnesota desperately needs help, with none in sight.

Three Stars

Matthew Stafford, Lions (23-of-40, 232 yards, 1 TD; 4 carries, 30 yards) – Not exactly a killer stat line, but Stafford remains clutch when the moment calls for it. His two scrambles on third down were a thing of beauty and his jumping toss to Boldin in the face of defensive pressure helped seal the tie down the stretch. We all must face the music; Stafford is just better without Calvin Johnson in the fold.

Matt Prater, Lions (3/3 FGs, 1/1 Extra Pt.) – The first kicker to ever receive an reward on Thanksgiving, Prater just doesn’t miss in the fourth quarter and once again sent the Vikings home with another loss. I don’t think there’s a moment that Prater won’t succeed in. 2017 has been a remarkable, spine tingling, season for these Detroit Lions.

Darius Slay, Lions (4 Tackles, 1 Int.) – Flagged earlier in the game for a key pass interference call that led to a Vikings touchdown, Slay stepped in when Detroit needed their best corner the most. Jumping a Bradford to Thielen toss, Slay picked it off and put the Lions in prime position for the game-winning kick. The Lions will need another strong performance from Slay next week when they take on the New Orleans Saints.

Highlights

Next Game

The Vikings will head back home and host another Thursday game, this time Thursday night versus the NFC East leading Dallas Cowboys. Detroit will hit the road and head south to New Orleans, as they will take on the Saints on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

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