It’s a party in Motown. For the second straight season, the Detroit Lions (15-2) are NFC North champions.
The Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings (14-3), 31-9, in the first ever regular-season game in NFL history between two teams with 13-plus wins apiece. The victory earned the Lions the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. It’s the first time in franchise history the Lions have earned the No. 1 seed in the postseason.
Minnesota will enter the playoffs as the No. 5 seed and travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams in the NFC’s wild-card round.
The NFC North championship bout was a defensive showdown in the first half. Detroit had a 10-6 halftime lead as each side struggled to punch it in the end zone.
The Lions took control in the second half behind running back Jahmyr Gibbs and stout defense.
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Gibbs, who totaled 160 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns when the two clubs met in Week 7, was again a difference-maker for Detroit. The Lions versatile running back produced a franchise record-tying four touchdowns, which included three touchdowns in the second half. He compiled 170 yards from scrimmage, three rushing touchdowns and one touchdown reception in the victory. Gibbs’ 13-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach for Minnesota. He added another 4-yard rushing touchdown later in the fourth quarter for good measure.
Detroit outscored Minnesota 21-3 in the second half.
Gibbs finished the regular season with an NFL-high 20 touchdowns from scrimmage.
The Lions defense made huge defensive stands throughout the contest as they forced Minnesota to go 0-4 in the red zone. Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was held to three catches for 54 yards.
The Lions finished the regular season an undefeated 6-0 in the division. It’s the first time in franchise history the Lions have won consecutive NFC North titles.
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