There’s a party in Motown. The Detroit Lions (15-2) have won the NFC North for the second consecutive season.
The Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings (14-3), 31-9, in the NFL’s first regular-season game between two teams with 13 or more wins. The victory gave the Lions the NFC’s top seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. The Lions have earned the No. 1 playoff seed for the first time in franchise history.
Minnesota will enter the playoffs as the No. 5 seed, traveling to Los Angeles to face the Rams in the NFC wild card round.
The first half of the NFC North championship game was dominated by defensive play. Detroit led 10-6 at halftime as both teams struggled to score.
The Lions took control in the second half thanks to running back Jahmyr Gibbs and strong defense.
Gibbs, who had 160 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns when the two teams met in Week 7, was again a game changer for Detroit. The Lions’ versatile running back scored four touchdowns, including three in the second half, to tie the franchise record.
In the victory, he had 170 yards from scrimmage, three rushing touchdowns, and one touchdown reception. Gibbs’ 13-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter put Minnesota out of contention. He added a 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 20 touchdowns from scrimmage, an NFL high.
The Lions defense made numerous defensive stops throughout the game, causing Minnesota to go 0-4 in the red zone. Justin Jefferson, the Vikings’ star wide receiver, was held to just three catches for 54 yards.
The Lions finished the regular season undefeated in their division, going 6-0. For the first time in franchise history, the Lions have won consecutive NFC North titles.