NFL

The 53 yards saw Nailor finish second on the team in receiving, with Justin Jefferson’s 54 just one yards ahead of him. The brutal outing drops the Vikings to the No. 5 seed and also sends them to a road playoff game against the Rams, one of only two teams to defeat the Vikings this season, in the Wildcard Round.

To be fair to Hockenson, the entire Minnesota offense struggled against one of the best defensive game plans we have seen from Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. The return of linebacker Alex Anzalone played a massive part in locking down Hockenson, who routinely found himself in coverage of the veteran tight end. The loss sends the Vikings to a road matchup with the Rams, one of only two teams to beat the Vikings this season, in the Wildcard Round.

Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn put the clamps on the entire Minnesota offense, holding them to just 262 yards of total offense. Alpha wide receiver Justin Jefferson was notably erased from the game by Amik Robertson, who held Jefferson to zero second half receptions. Addison’s only reception came on a screen for no gain in the first half in a then-tight contest. Addison and the Vikings now prepare for a road matchup with the Rams in Wildcard Weekend next week.

Rosenhaus shared the information on his weekly Sunday evening radio appearance after Hill told reporters that he would like to play elsewhere in 2025. Rosenhaus is likely attempting to save face for Hill following the veteran wide receiver’s impassioned talk with reporters by painting Hill as a player who remained steadfastly committed to his team. Whether it works remains to be seen and one wonders why Hill was allowed to play through what may have been a serious issue. This saga is not over. Stay tuned.

Lions cornerback Amik Robertson was in Jefferson’s back pocket throughout the game, notably holding the alpha wide receiver without a catch after halftime on his way to a disappointing outing. The loss sends the Vikings to the No. 5 seed and to a road date with the Rams in the Wildcard Round, one of only two teams to defeat the Vikings this season (the Lions beat them twice). Jefferson did have 115 yards in that game, meaning fantasy gamers in playoff leagues can likely target Jefferson with confidence.

The highlight of the game for Akers was a 58-yard scamper at the beginning of the third quarter in a then 10-3 game. Akers started the second half with Aaron Jones remaining in the locker room for an undisclosed reason, failing to score on his next carry after the long run before giving way to Jones on the following play. Jones’ status could be something to monitor as the Vikings prepare for a road date with the Rams in the Wildcard Round.

Jones remained in the locker room after the half for most of the team’s first drive, before returning to the field of play in the red zone. He would then depart after a vicious hit down the sideline before giving way to Cam Akers for good with the game out of hand late. The team never passed an injury update for the veteran running back, which could be something to monitor after the loss sends the Vikings to the NFC’s No. 5 seed and a road date with the Rams in the Wildcard Round next weekend.

Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn had all the answers in this one, holding the Vikings to just 262 yards of total offense and nine points while placing Darnold in consistent duress. The Vikings managed just three points on three first half red zone drives, with two turnovers on downs seeing the team take a 10-3 deficit into the break. The second half was an entirely different story as the Lions completely clamped down on their opponent while scoring 21 points themselves, sending the Vikings into the Wildcard Round for a road date with the Rams, who were one of only two teams to beat the Vikings this season (lost twice to the Lions).

Patrick’s two targets were primarily a function of only 33 pass attempts from quarterback Jared Goff in the convincing win. Jameson Williams led the team with eight targets, followed by seven each for tight end Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown and five for running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The win clinched the NFC’s top seed, a playoff bye, and home field advantage for the Lions, who will await the results from Wildcard Weekend before learning their opponent in the Divisional Round.

Williams led the team with eight targets, the last of which came with under three minutes remaining with most of the regular starters on the sideline. The fact he was on the field late in a blowout win likely indicates head coach Dan Campbell knew he was close to the milestone, which he passed on a four-yard reception on the team’s final possession to get to 1,001 yards on the season. The win clinched the No. 1 seed for the Lions, who will await the happenings of Wildcard Weekend before knowing their opponent in the Divisional Round.