Vikings squash Lions' playoff chances on Christmas Day, force 6 turnovers

Aaron Jones spoke after the Minnesota Vikings beat the New York Giants 16-13.

The Detroit Lions were hoping for a gift from the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas. Instead, they got a lump of coal and then some.

The Vikings played spoiler with an upset victory over their NFC North rival, 23-10.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws under pressure from Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) during the second half Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis.  (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison didn’t touch the ball until the fourth quarter and made the biggest play of the night. He took a handoff from quarterback Max Brosmer, found space on the right side of the line of scrimmage and powered through the Swiss cheese Lions defense.

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The 66-yard touchdown run extended the Vikings’ lead to 10 points. On the Lions’ next drive, Jared Goff committed the team’s sixth turnover on the night. The Lions had four fumbles and two interceptions. Goff was responsible for five of them. Jahmyr Gibbs also had a fumble.

A win for Detroit would have kept its playoff hopes alive at least for another two days, but the loss sinks the team’s dreams altogether after being in the postseason the last two years and finishing the 2024 season with a 15-2 record.

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Detroit Lions Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Since their Week 8 bye, the Lions have looked a bit lost. Detroit has lost six of its last nine games.