Lions vs. Vikings live score, updates, highlights from NFL ‘Sunday Night Football’ game
The NFC North and the NFC’s No. 1 seed will both come down to one game.
On Sunday night, the Lions and Vikings will meet with a first-round playoff bye on the line. Both Detroit and Minnesota enter the final week of the NFL’s regular season at 14-2, coasting through their respective schedules as two talented teams and potential Super Bowl contenders. Now, they’ll go head-to-head with major playoff implications in Week 18.
The Lions enter “Sunday Night Football” continuing to dominant both sides of the ball despite dealing with a long list of injuries this season. Defensively, among the players Detroit has lost are defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker Alex Anzalone and cornerback Carlton Davis III. Only making things worse, running back David Montgomery also recently went down with an injury.
Nothing has slowed the Lions down though, as Dan Campbell has his squad running like a well-oiled machine. Jared Goff (4,398 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) has had a career year while leaning on his elite weapons, with the Lions’ only two losses coming in Week 2 against Tampa Bay and Week 15 against Buffalo — now, they’ll look to close out the season with the No. 1 seed.
Standing in Detroit’s way, though, is a Minnesota squad that also just keeps on winning. Sam Darnold wasn’t originally the Vikings’ surefire QB1 with rookie J.J. McCarthy in the mix, but McCarthy’s season ended before it started, allowing Darnold to thrived in Minnesota. The former Jet, Panther and 49er has had a career resurgence, throwing for 4,153 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions so far this season with strong weapons like Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones and T.J. Hockenson at his disposal. The Vikings’ defense also comes into Week 18 first in the NFL in interceptions (22) and tied for third in sacks (47).
STREAM: Watch Lions vs. Vikings live with Fubo (free trial)
Minnesota’s two losses were actually back-to-back defeats in Weeks 7 and 8, coming against the Lions and Rams. But the Vikings now have an opportunity to get back at Detroit by stealing the NFC North title and top seed in the conference with a “Sunday Night Football” win.
The winner of Sunday’s game claims the NFC’s No. 1 seed and an automatic first-round bye. The loser will fall to the No. 5 seed, meaning it would travel for a first-round playoff matchup.
The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights as the Lions and Vikings face off for their division, and the NFC’s No. 1 seed, on “Sunday Night Football. Follow along below for updates.
Lions vs. Vikings score Q1Q2Q3Q4FVikings06309Lions7371431SN’s NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
Lions vs. Vikings live updates, results, highlights from NFL ‘Sunday Night Football'(All times ET)
Final: Lions 31, Vikings 911:30 p.m. — Detroit runs the clock out, sealing its playoff fate: With a 15-2 record, the Lions will get a first-round bye as the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history. After a rough performance in Week 18, the Vikings will travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams in the first round of the playoffs.
11:20 p.m. — In one last attempt to find the end zone, Darnold’s pass on 4th & 15 is incomplete. The Lions’ pressure has been consistent all night, and it gets to him once again. Detroit takes over with four minutes remaining in what’s become a dominant performance in the second half.
11:15 p.m. — Minnesota, just looking to get some points on the board at this point, is around the 50-yard line. Down by 22 with four minutes remaining, the Vikings would need a miraculous comeback.
11:10 p.m. — The Detroit defense has held Justin Jefferson to just three receptions for 54 yards tonight.
Lions 31, Vikings 911:06 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Jahymr Gibbs for four! The Lions’ running back can’t stop scoring, as he’s lifted his squad to the NFC’s No. 1 seed tonight with a massive performance. The Lions are well on their way to a first-round bye, while a fantastic regular season will still result in a wild-card spot for the Vikings.
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 202511:05 p.m. — On fourth down, the Lions line up to go for it again … and this time, the Vikings jump. Harrison Smith is called for a neutral zone infraction, and now, Detroit is right in front of the end zone once again.
11:03 p.m. — The Lions are in scoring territory again, with Gibbs leading the charge. Could he get touchdown No. 4 of the night?
11:01 p.m. — Gibbs breaks free once again, adding 47 yards to his total for the night. He’s had a dominant performance in a big-time matchup.
10:56 p.m. — Down goes Darnold on 3rd & 9. Detroit has been disrupting the Vikings quarterback all night, and the Lions now get a sack from Al-Quadin Muhammad. Minnesota punts with around 10 minutes remaining, and the Lions have a clear path to the NFC North title.
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 202510:52 p.m. — Maybe Sam Darnold is “seeing ghosts” out there again.
Per ESPN Research, Sam Darnold has 8 overthrows tonight, the second-most for a game in his career. The only other game with more was in Week 7 of 2019, when he had 12 while with the Jets vs. the Patriots. (You know what game that was.)
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) January 6, 2025Lions 24, Vikings 910:48 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Jahmyr Gibbs for the hat trick! The running back’s third score of the game is from 13 yards out, and that may just be enough to seal Detroit’s spot as the No. 1 seed. The Lions lead by 15 with around 13 minutes remaining. Minnesota will need to answer soon to have a shot at a comeback.
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 202510:46 p.m. — Andrew Van Ginkel was *this* close to a pick-six, but couldn’t hang onto the ball.
Andrew Van Ginkel ALMOST had the interceptionpic.twitter.com/jISbRE9O4D
— Pikkit (@pikkitsports) January 6, 2025End of third quarter: Lions 17, Vikings 910:40 p.m. — Minnesota’s offense just isn’t clicking as a unit tonight. It gets into Lions territory then slows down, forcing another field goal attempt from Reichard. After making his first three, he misses this one from 51 yards. The Vikings’ chances at the No. 1 seed are dwindling with each drive that ends without points.
4th down:
Vikings 0-2
Lions 2-3
Red zone TDs:
Vikings 0-4
Lions 1-1
There’s your difference rn
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) January 6, 202510:37 p.m. — Darnold goes to Jalen Nailor for 27 yards, pushing the Vikings past midfield.
Lions 17, Vikings 910:32 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Dan Campbell won’t stopping going for it on fourth down. This time, it pays off immensely. Goff goes to Gibbs in the middle of the field, and the running back has an easy path to his second touchdown. Detroit has an eight-point lead.
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 202510:27 p.m. — Detroit’s offense hasn’t been quite as effective tonight, but it finally gets a pair of big gains. Goff hits LaPorta and St. Brown to overcome a 2nd & 19. The Lions are approaching the red zone.
Big-time grab for a pickup of 17 from @samlaporta#MINvsDET | 📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/8EJusNI5NI
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 6, 2025Lions 10, Vikings 910:19 p.m. FIELD GOAL — The Vikings just haven’t been able to finish drives in this game, but they are doing enough to keep it close. This time, Reichard hits his field goal from 51 yards out. This is once again a one-point game with the NFC’s No. 1 seed on the line.
10:16 p.m. — Detroit’s pass rush is all over Sam Darnold tonight. The Lions get to him on a first down, and he tries to get rid of the ball at the last second. That results in an intentional grounding call, pushing Minnesota back 13 yards.
10:12 p.m. — Yet another change in possession comes quickly: Jared Goff’s first pass of the second half is way down the field, and it’s an easy interception for Harrison Smith. That’s two picks for Goff tonight.
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 202510:08 p.m. — Another long Vikings drive comes up short of the end zone. Minnesota takes another gamble, going for it on 4th & Goal, but yet again, the Lions’ defense makes a significant stand. Minnesota remains at just six points despite consistent trips to the red zone.
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 202510:05 p.m. — Cam Akers breaks free! The longest play of the game comes from Minnesota’s RB2, a 58-yard gain on the ground. That sets up 1st & Goal for the Vikings, who could take the lead.
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 202510:04 p.m. — Minnesota gets a break to start the third quarter. Illegal contact is called on Brian Branch on third down, extending the Vikings’ drive.
10:00 p.m. — The Vikings get the ball to begin the second half.
9:47 p.m. — With the No. 1 seed on the line, this has been an unusual game so far. The Vikings have gotten key stops and an interception, but have no touchdowns to show for it. Sam Darnold has 93 passing yards. Jared Goff has found more success (115 passing yards), and Jahmyr Gibbs found the end zone, but the interception and stops on fourth down tries have kept Detroit from extending its lead.
Halftime: Lions 10, Vikings 69:42 p.m. — In just 18 seconds, the Lions moved all the way down the field. A Vikings penalty, 19-yard catch from St. Brown and 11-yard reception from Kalif Raymond quickly set up a 48-yard field goal from Jake Bates. Detroit expands its slim lead as the second-quarter clock hits zeroes.
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2025Lions 7, Vikings 69:40 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Once again, Detroit’s defense keeps Minnesota out of the end zone. Darnold has completed just nine of his 20 passes with halftime approaching. Reichard hits the field goal from 31 yards out though, making this a one-point game.
9:36 p.m. — At the two-minute warning for the first half, Minnesota is in Lions territory, still looking for its first touchdown.
9:29 p.m. — Dan Campbell challenged that Craig Reynolds came up short of a first down near midfield, but the call stands, setting up 4th & 1 for Detroit. As Dan Campbell does, the Lions go for it on fourth down, but the Vikings tip Goff’s pass and take over possession with a few minutes remaining in the first half.
Lions 7, Vikings 39:21 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Minnesota can’t quite capitalize on the turnover by finding the end zone, as the Lions’ defense makes another critical stand. But the Vikings do get on the board with a short field goal from Will Reichard.
9:18 p.m. — The Vikings nearly got a safety call on the Lions due to potential intentional grounding on Goff, but the officials instead called it incomplete. So, just a few plays later, Minnesota gets its momentum another way: Ivan Pace Jr. grabs Goff’s tipped pass right out of the air, picking him off to set Minnesota’s offense up nicely.
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 20259:09 p.m. — In a high-stakes game, the Vikings go for a 4th & Goal, but the Lions defense makes a huge stand. Darnold’s pass to Jefferson is incomplete. Detroit takes over deep in its own territory, and the Vikings remain scoreless.
9:07 p.m. — Minnesota gets a huge third down play from Darnold, as he connects with Jefferson for 31 yards. That sets up 1st & Goal for the Vikings, looking to tie the game at seven.
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 20259:01 p.m. — Jonathan Greenard sacks Goff on third and long, and the Lions punt. Both defenses have made some key plays already.
9:00 p.m. — Now, the Vikings make some disruptive defensive plays, blowing up Gibbs in the backfield for a loss of eight yards. It’s Andrew Van Ginkel with the tackle.
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 6, 2025End of first quarter: Lions 7, Vikings 08:56 p.m. — The Vikings punt, marking the first time all season they’ve punted on their first two possessions, per the NBC broadcast. The Lions will have a chance to expand on their early advantage as the second quarter begins.
8:55 p.m. — Detroit keeps its early momentum going, as Za’Darius Smith sacks Sam Darnold for a loss of 17 yards. It’s a huge setback for the Vikings’ offense on its first play of the drive.
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2025Lions 7, Vikings 08:49 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — There goes Jahmyr Gibbs. Just one play after Campbell took a chance on fourth down, Gibbs breaks free for a 25-yard touchdown. The Lions strike first in the battle for the NFC North title.
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) January 6, 20258:48 p.m. — Of course, Dan Campbell goes for a 4th & 5, and it pays off. Goff gets a quick pass to Jameson Williams, who’s in stride and uses his speed to pick up 14 yards. The Lions are threatening.
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 20258:45 p.m. — Detroit is on the move, now into Vikings territory. Jared Goff found Amon-Ra St. Brown for 23 yards, then Sam LaPorta for another eight yards. The Lions are looking to take the first lead tonight.
8:43 p.m. — With the official wild-card round schedule being announced … the loser of this Lions vs. Vikings matchup will travel to face the Rams on Monday, Jan. 13. The winner, of course, gets a bye in the first round.
Next weekend’s wild-card schedule: pic.twitter.com/0uSP7R2JcW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 20258:36 p.m. — Both defenses force punts to begin this matchup. Catches from T.J. Hockenson and Justin Jefferson, plus a few short gains from Aaron Jones, had the Vikings’ offense moving. But the Lions, with LB Alex Anzalone back in action, get a stop on 3rd & 9.
8:31 p.m. — Minnesota’s defense gets the job done on its first drive. The Vikings get to Gibbs for a loss of seven yards on another third down, forcing the Lions to punt. Here come Sam Darnold and the Minnesota offense.
8:27 p.m. — On an early third down, Detroit converts with a six-yard catch from Jahmyr Gibbs on a nice move.
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 20258:24 p.m. — The final game of the NFL’s regular season has kicked off. The Lions’ offense will begin with the football.
8:12 p.m. — Just under 10 minutes from kickoff between these NFC North rivals, with the division on the line. The Lions are rocking their black uniforms tonight.
Together. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/0VcgFGQ91G
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 6, 20258:08 p.m. — This game will solidify the NFC playoff bracket. The winner will claim the No. 1 seed, getting a first-round bye. The loser will claim the No. 5 seed, traveling to face the fourth-seeded Rams in the first round.
NFC Playoff picture going into tonight:
1) Lions/Vikings (bye)
2) Eagles
3) Buccaneers
4) Rams
5) Lions/Vikings
6) Commanders
7) Packers
Wild Card Weekend:
🏈Packers at Eagles
🏈Commanders at Buccaneers
🏈Lions/Vikings at Rams
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 20257:03 p.m. — And the inactives for Minnesota:
Week 18 #Vikings inactives pic.twitter.com/NV5eBjybwD
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 5, 20256:58 p.m. — Here’s a look at the Lions’ inactives list tonight. As expected, RB David Montgomery remains sidelined.
#MINvsDET inactives presented by Henry Ford Health pic.twitter.com/wj3r2gMxF9
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 5, 2025Lions vs. Vikings start timeDate: Sunday, Jan. 5Time: 8:20 p.m. ETSunday’s game between the Lions and Vikings will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET from Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.
MORE LIONS-VIKINGS NEWS:
Vikings playoff scenariosLions playoff scenariosVikings buy $2 million in tickets to invade DetroitHow to watch Lions vs. VikingsTV Channel: NBCStreaming: Peacock, FuboLions vs. Vikings will be broadcast nationally on NBC. “Sunday Night Football” can be streamed on Peacock or with Fubo.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >
