The Detroit Lions pulled off a significant victory in Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings, with a late field goal by Jake Bates securing a 31-29 win over the previously unbeaten Vikings. This victory improved the Lions’ season record to 5-1.
This marked the second consecutive year that Detroit started with a 5-1 record, a first in their 90-year history. Despite both the Lions and Vikings holding 5-1 records, Detroit holds the top spot in the standings due to their head-to-head victory.
Minnesota got off to a strong start in the first quarter, taking a 10-0 lead after Aaron Jones capitalized on a defensive error with a 34-yard touchdown run. This followed a failed fake punt attempt by Detroit on their opening drive.
The Vikings then extended their lead with a 57-yard field goal by rookie kicker Will Reichard. However, Jared Goff and the Lions answered back in the second quarter with three consecutive touchdowns. Goff was sharp, connecting on a 35-yard touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown, while Jahmyr Gibbs added two rushing touchdowns, one from 45 yards and another from 8 yards out.
The Vikings rallied in the second half, narrowing the gap with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold to Justin Jefferson. Although Goff and the Lions managed another touchdown, the Vikings surged ahead in the fourth quarter. Reichard kicked a 48-yard field goal, and linebacker Ivan Pace returned a David Montgomery fumble 36 yards for a touchdown, putting Minnesota up 29-28 after a failed two-point conversion.
Detroit’s defense held strong, forcing a late Vikings punt. Goff then led the Lions on an 8-play, 44-yard drive, setting up Bates for the game-winning field goal. In the closing moments, with just 19 seconds left, Detroit’s defense sealed the win when linebacker Trevor Nowaske sacked Darnold on the final play.
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