Vikings Eliminate Lions 23–10 With Six Turnovers, Five Sacks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Minnesota Vikings shut down the Detroit Lions’ playoff hopes with a dominant 23–10 victory on Christmas Day. Minnesota’s defense forced six turnovers and delivered five sacks in a relentless performance. Harrison Smith starred in a possible farewell game, while rookie Max Brosmer managed the offense efficiently.
Vikings Defense Ends Lions Playoff Run: Quick Looks
- Vikings defeated Lions 23–10, eliminating Detroit from playoff contention
- Minnesota defense forced six turnovers and recorded five sacks
- Harrison Smith shined with a sack, interception, and three pass breakups
- Jordan Addison sealed the win with a 65-yard jet sweep touchdown
- Jared Goff lost three fumbles and threw an interception
- Rookie Max Brosmer filled in for injured J.J. McCarthy
- Lions’ loss clinched Packers a wild card spot
- Vikings improved to 8–8; both teams now out of playoff race
- NFL-best +6 turnover margin tied league record over nine years
Deep Look: Vikings Eliminate Lions With Defensive Masterclass and Late Addison TD
MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 25, 2025) — In front of a roaring home crowd on Christmas Day, the Minnesota Vikings sent a message — even in a lost season, pride and defense still matter.
Fueled by an inspired performance from Harrison Smith, the Vikings rolled past the Detroit Lions 23–10, ending Detroit’s playoff hopes and clinching at least a wild-card berth for division rival Green Bay.
This was a game dominated by Minnesota’s defense from start to finish. The Vikings forced six turnovers, racked up five sacks, and stifled Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who fumbled three times and was under constant pressure.
“The story of the game is turnovers,” admitted Lions head coach Dan Campbell. “You can’t turn the ball over six times and expect to win in this league.”
Harrison Smith Shines in Potential Farewell
If this was the final home game for Harrison Smith, the veteran safety made sure it was memorable. Smith, in his 14th NFL season, recorded:
- 1 interception
- 1 sack
- 3 pass deflections
- 2 tackles for loss
- 1 quarterback hit
Late in the fourth quarter, the six-time Pro Bowler soaked up the moment on the videoboard, blowing kisses to fans during a standing ovation. He wouldn’t confirm retirement plans, saying only that he was “playing the game I love.”
“We play a really aggressive style of football that I absolutely love,” Smith said. “I don’t care what’s on the line.”
Jordan Addison Delivers Knockout Blow
Despite only 75 total offensive yards through most of the game, the Vikings delivered a late dagger when rookie WR Jordan Addison took a jet sweep 65 yards to the end zone, outrunning defenders and diving at the pylon for the game-sealing score with 3:43 remaining.
Addison’s burst highlighted one of the few offensive sparks in a matchup dominated by mistakes and defense.
Jared Goff Melts Under Pressure
Detroit’s Jared Goff, typically sure-handed, crumbled under Minnesota’s pressure. He:
- Lost three fumbles, including two on bad snaps
- Took five sacks
- Finished 18-for-29 for 197 yards and 1 TD
Goff’s lone highlight came on a 19-play, 80-yard second-quarter drive capped by a touchdown to Isaac TeSlaa, consuming over 10 minutes. But it was the only sign of life from the Detroit offense.
Undrafted Rookie Brosmer Does Just Enough
Filling in for the injured J.J. McCarthy, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer played smart football. While he only completed 9-of-16 passes for 51 yards, Brosmer protected the football and helped set up three field goals by Will Reichard.
“NFL football is hard… but it’s fun too,” Brosmer said. “My favorite part is the process.”
Christmas Crowd, Turnovers, and Celebration
The victory felt like a holiday party for Minnesota fans. The +6 turnover margin was:
- The best in the NFL this season
- Tied with five other games for best margin in the last nine years (Sportradar)
- Only the second time in Vikings history with six or more takeaways and no turnovers (first since 1975)
In addition to the game, fans were treated to a halftime show by rapper Snoop Dogg, part of the NFL’s Christmas Day tripleheader festivities.
“You feel the love,” said Smith. “We’re out of the playoffs, but they showed up. One of these days, they’ll get it.”
Injury Updates
Lions Injuries:
- LB Alex Anzalone and S Thomas Harper (concussions)
- S Avonte Maddox (back, inactive)
- LT Taylor Decker (shoulder, inactive)
- DT Alim McNeill aggravated an abdomen injury
- C Kingsley Eguakun started for injured Graham Glasgow
Vikings Injuries:
- WR Myles Price (ankle, opening kickoff)
- RB Jordan Mason (ankle, inactive)
What’s Next?
- Lions travel to Chicago in Week 18
- Vikings will host Green Bay Packers in their final game
- Games scheduled for January 3 or 4
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