Lions' playoff chances end with loss to Vikings: 'It sucks' - ESPN

MINNEAPOLIS — Entering the 2025 season, Lions quarterback Jared Goff admitted he couldn't have imagined any scenario where Detroit wouldn't make the postseason on the heels of one of the most successful years in franchise history.

But as he exited U.S. Bank Stadium on the evening of Christmas Day, that nightmare storyline came to fruition as the Lions were officially eliminated from playoff contention following a 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the second to last game of the regular season.

«It sucks,» Goff said of missing the playoffs. «We'll reflect on the whole season after next week, but yeah, it sucks.»

The Lions (8-8) entered the season with a 67% chance to make the playoffs, which were the fifth-best odds, according to ESPN Analytics, but have now dropped four of their past five games.

«At the end of the day you've got to tip your hat off to them. They had a good game plan, and we weren't ready,» said Lions right tackle Penei Sewell. «Simple as that.»

Goff was sacked five times, and the Vikings' defense forced five turnovers by him (two interceptions, three fumbles), which tied a career high.

Detroit ended with a season-high six turnovers after entering the contest with eight turnovers through Week 16, the fewest in the NFL.

Goff fumbled his snap in the first quarter, then RB Jahmyr Gibbs, who finished with 17 carries for 41 yards, fumbled while rushing at 14:22 in the second quarter.

Goff also fumbled twice in the fourth quarter.

«They did a good job on defense. They had a good plan and exploited some things on us,» said Goff, who went 18-for-29 for 197 passing yards and a touchdown while facing heavy pressure. «They were able to get after us, adding an extra rusher a lot of times.»

Coach Dan Campbell