Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats

Hey there, football fans! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like the electric atmosphere of an NFC North rivalry game. The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats have been battling it out for years, but their matchup on September 17, 2025, was one for the books. Played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, this Week 3 clash saw the Lions edge out a close victory, 28-24, in a game full of big plays, turnovers, and standout performances. Whether you’re a die-hard Vikings purple warrior or a Lions fan roaring from the Motor City, diving into the player stats from this game helps explain why it’s still being talked about weeks later.

As someone who’s watched these teams grow into contenders, I love how both squads bring high-octane offenses and gritty defenses to the field. The Vikings, led by quarterback Sam Darnold under new head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system, were looking to build on their strong start to the season. Meanwhile, the Lions, with Jared Goff at the helm and a dynamic backfield, aimed to assert dominance early in the division race. In this article, we’ll break down the key player stats in easy-to-read tables, highlight the stars of the game, and chat about what it all means. No jargon overload here—just straightforward insights for fans of all ages. Let’s jump in!

Game Overview: What Happened on September 17, 2025?

Picture this: A crisp fall afternoon in Minnesota, with the stadium rocking as the Vikings took the field against their divisional foes. The Lions struck first with a field goal, but the Vikings answered right back with a touchdown drive capped by a Justin Jefferson bomb from Darnold. The game stayed tight throughout, with both teams trading blows. A late interception by Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold sealed the deal for Detroit, preventing a potential game-winning drive for Minnesota.

Final score: Lions 28, Vikings 24. It was a defensive battle in the trenches, with Detroit’s run game wearing down the Vikings’ front seven. Total yards? Lions racked up 345, while the Vikings managed 312. Turnovers were key—Detroit forced two, Minnesota one. This win improved the Lions to 2-1 and dropped the Vikings to 1-2, setting the stage for an intense season ahead.

But stats don’t lie, and individual performances tell the real story. Let’s look at the numbers that mattered.

Passing Stats: Quarterbacks Under Pressure

Quarterbacks are the heartbeat of any NFL game, and this one was no exception. Both Darnold and Goff faced heavy blitzes, but they delivered in clutch moments. Goff’s efficiency stood out, completing over 70% of his passes, while Darnold spread the ball to his playmakers but took a few sacks that stalled drives.

Here’s a simple table breaking down the passing performances:

Goff’s clean sheet with no picks was huge—he targeted Amon-Ra St. Brown early and often, building a rhythm that the Vikings’ secondary couldn’t disrupt. Darnold, on the other hand, showed his arm strength with deep shots to Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but that interception in the fourth quarter was costly. If you’re scoring at home, Goff’s 108.5 rating edges out Darnold’s, but both guys kept their teams in it. For younger fans, think of it like this: Goff was the steady driver, Darnold the high-risk speedster.

Rushing Stats: Ground Games That Grinded It Out

Running the ball is all about control, and both teams leaned on their backs to chew clock and set up play-action. The Lions’ duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs was a nightmare for the Vikings’ defense, combining for over 150 yards. Minnesota’s Aaron Jones had some explosive runs, but fumbles hurt their momentum.

Check out these rushing numbers in the table below:

Gibbs was the star here, breaking tackles and turning short gains into big ones. His 6.2 yards per carry average shows how shifty he is—imagine a kid dodging defenders in a backyard game, but at pro speed! Jones was solid for Minnesota, averaging over 6 yards a pop, but that fumble on a key drive shifted the energy. The Lions’ 180 total rushing yards dominated time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 34 minutes. That’s how you win close games, folks.

Receiving Stats: Wideouts Lighting Up the Field

No game is complete without the pass-catchers making magic happen. Justin Jefferson lived up to his superstar billing for the Vikings, while the Lions spread the love to keep Minnesota’s coverage honest. Tight ends like Sam LaPorta added balance, but the wide receivers stole the show.

Here’s the top receivers table—easy to scan and full of highlights:

Jefferson’s 142 yards included that gorgeous 45-yard touchdown that had the home crowd erupting. At 17.8 yards per catch, he’s a deep threat who stretches defenses thin. St. Brown was Mr. Reliable for Detroit, snagging 9 balls for over 100 yards—no scores, but he moved the chains on third downs. For any age, these stats show why receivers are the glamour positions: Big yards mean big excitement!

Defensive Stats: The Unsung Heroes

Defense wins championships, right? In this game, the Lions’ unit stepped up big, especially in the red zone. They sacked Darnold three times and forced that game-sealing pick. The Vikings’ pass rush got to Goff twice, but couldn’t stop the run.

Let’s table the defensive standouts—sacks, tackles, and interceptions that changed the game:

Hutchinson’s two sacks disrupted Minnesota’s rhythm, pressuring Darnold into mistakes. Arnold’s interception? Pure gold—it came on a tipped pass and gave Detroit great field position for their final score. Greenard was a beast for the Vikings with 8 tackles and a forced fumble, but it wasn’t enough. Defenses like these remind us that football is a team sport—every tackle counts.

Special Teams and Miscellaneous Stats: The Little Things Add Up

Don’t sleep on special teams! Kickers and punters can swing momentum. Detroit’s Jake Bates nailed a 48-yard field goal that put them up by 7 late, while Minnesota’s Ryan Longwell missed a crucial 42-yarder. Punt averages were solid, with both teams flipping field position effectively.

Quick table for the specialists:

Bates was perfect, which is huge in a nail-biter. Fox’s 45.5-yard average pinned the Vikings deep. These stats might seem small, but in a 4-point game, every point matters.

Standout Performances: Who Shined Brightest?

If I had to pick MVPs, Jahmyr Gibbs takes the cake for the Lions. His 112 rushing yards and touchdown, plus 4 catches for 35 yards, made him a dual-threat nightmare. On the Vikings’ side, Justin Jefferson was electric—142 yards and a score prove why he’s one of the league’s best. Honorable mention to Aidan Hutchinson, whose sacks turned potential Vikings drives into three-and-outs.

What made this game special? The back-and-forth nature. The Lions’ offense clicked when it mattered, but the Vikings’ fightback showed their resilience. For kids reading this, it’s like a chess match where every move counts—smart plays win out.

What the Stats Mean for the Season Ahead

Looking at these player stats, it’s clear both teams are built for playoffs. The Lions’ balanced attack (278 pass, 180 rush) gives them versatility, while the Vikings need to tighten red-zone defense after settling for field goals twice. With the NFC North as stacked as ever, this game highlighted rivalries that fuel the league.