What are the national reactions to the Vikings’ initial defeat at the hands of the Lions?

The Detroit Lions emerged victorious in an exhilarating back-and-forth contest, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 31-29, in the highly anticipated matchup between the top two teams of the NFC North.

The victory by Detroit propels them into the lead of the division, as they now possess the tiebreaker over the Vikings, who were previously unbeaten. However, its victory was anything but effortless. Initially, the Lions were in a 10-0 deficit on the road, and the situation appeared to be chaotic and disorganized. Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jahmyr Gibbs, however, led the charge in a swift return.

The Vikings were able to claw their way back into the game after the Lions went into halftime with an 11-point lead. However, they ultimately fell behind after David Montgomery’s miscue was returned for a touchdown with just over five minutes remaining. However, Goff, Gibbs, and St. Brown had an additional strategy in mind: they maneuvered themselves into a position that would allow Jake Bates to secure the contest. With less than 20 seconds remaining, Bates executed the game-winning field goal from 44 yards out.

Following their victory over the Vikings, the Lions have assumed the lead.

In their Week 7 match against the Minnesota Vikings, the Detroit Lions executed an impressive performance, culminating in a 31-29 victory over their previously unblemished opponents, after Jake Bates scored a late field goal. As a result of the victory, the Lions’ season record was now 5-1.

For the first time since relocating to Detroit in 1934, the @Lions have begun at least five consecutive seasons with a winning record. #OnePride

The @Lions have started at least 5-1 in consecutive seasons for the first time since relocating to Detroit in 1934.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/qdsRLvXpYb

— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) October 20, 2024

This was the second consecutive year that Detroit had begun with that record, a feat they had never achieved in their previous 90 seasons. Despite the fact that the Vikings and Lions both have 5-1 records, the Lions are technically in first place due to their head-to-head victory.

Aaron Jones exploited a botched assignment to run 34 yards unimpeded into the end zone, enabling the Vikings to establish a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. At the conclusion of their initial possession, the Lions were unsuccessful in their attempt to execute a false punt, which resulted in the touchdown.

Jared Goff and the Lions offense assumed control with three second-quarter touchdowns after the Vikings added a 57-yard field goal by newcomer Will Reichard. Goff’s accuracy during the run was unparalleled, and he connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown on a 35-yard touchdown pass.

Jahmyr Gibbs also scored two touchdowns for the Lions. At the conclusion of a five-play, 69-yard drive, Gibbs scored his first touchdown on an electrifying 45-yard run. He scored his second touchdown on an 8-yard run 26 seconds before the half ended.

The Vikings make a comeback in the second half, but the Lions emerge victorious in the final seconds.

Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Detroit appeared poised to dominate Minnesota in the second half following its second quarter blitz, which had the Vikings on the defensive. Nevertheless, Sam Darnold restored the Vikings’ momentum by delivering a 25-yard touchdown pass to their outstanding wide receiver, Justin Jefferson.

Goff and the Lions responded with a touchdown drive; however, the Vikings seized the lead in the fourth quarter after Reichard kicked a 48-yard field goal and the Minnesota defense scored a touchdown of its own. David Montgomery’s miscue was recovered by linebacker Ivan Pace, who returned it 36 yards for a touchdown. The defensive score provided Minnesota with a 29-28 lead, despite the Vikings’ failure to convert a two-point conversion.

Detroit responded by compelling a late Vikings punt, and Goff guided the Lions on an 8-play, 44-yard drive that concluded with Bates’ game-winning field goal.

The Vikings had two plays following the go-ahead 3-pointer with 19 seconds remaining, but the game concluded with Detroit linebacker Trevor Nowaske tackling Darnold on the final play.

Steve Silverman has been writing about the NFL for over 35 years and has had his work published in ESPN Magazine, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, Pro Football Weekly, and Forbes.com. One of his ten books is “Who’s Better, Who’s Best in the NFL.”