Jared Goff, Lions Hailed by Fans as Best in NFC After Win vs. Sam Darnold, Vikings

The Detroit Lions sit atop the NFC after defeating the previously undefeated Minnesota Vikings 31-29 in Minneapolis on Sunday.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 22-of-25 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns, continuing a torrid pace over the past three games to help move the Lions to 5-1 overall.

Goff led an eight-play, 44-yard drive capped by Jake Bates' 44-yard field goal to give the Lions a 31-29 lead with 15 seconds left.

The Vikings reached midfield in response, but the game ended after Trevor Nowaske sacked quarterback Sam Darnold.

It was an incredible effort from the Lions, who received great performances from running back Jahmyr Gibbs (160 total yards, two touchdowns) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (eight catches, 112 yards, one touchdown).

Detroit's afternoon was all the more impressive considering the loss of superstar defensive end Aiden Hutchinson to a broken left tibia and fibula last week. But the shorthanded Lions pulled through,

Detroit trailed 10-0 after one quarter before scoring three unanswered touchdowns in the second quarter for a 21-10 halftime edge.

The two teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter, but Minnesota grabbed momentum in the fourth after two Will Reichard field goals and an Ivan Pace Jr. fumble recovery for a 36-yard touchdown.

The Lions had the last laugh, though, with the Bates field goal. And now they lead a loaded NFC North where every team is 4-2 or better.

Fans and analysts were impressed and called the Lions the class of the NFC.

Detroit will now welcome the 1-5 Tennessee Titans into town on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. ET.