The Saturday Night Football showdown between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings is supposed to be an exciting thriller to decide the top team in the NFC in 2024. Instead, the game was all about the Lions showing their dominance and once again confirming their status as a top Super Bowl contender.
The Lions crushed the Vikings en route to a 31-9 win that earned them the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. It is the first time they have received the top seed in the conference in their history. They also set a new franchise record with 15 wins and clinched the NFC North division title for the second straight season.
Second-year running back Jahmyr Gibbs led the way for the Lions, rushing for 139 yards and three touchdowns. He also had five catches for 31 yards and a TD.
Gibbs is the first Lions running back since franchise legend and Hall of Famer Barry Sanders to have four touchdowns in a single game. His 20 TDs for the season are a franchise record.
“We’re obviously having a better season this year, and I think everybody is still counting us out a little bit, so being able to shut them up a little bit feels good,” Gibbs said after the game.
The Vikings also had the opportunity to clinch the top seed in the NFC. But with a loss, they finished 14-3 and stumbled to the No. 5 seed. They are now set to play the Rams in Los Angeles in the first round of the playoffs.
