Jared Goff, Lions Eliminated From NFL Playoff Race with Loss to Vikings, Fans Stunned

The Detroit Lions have been eliminated from playoff contention after losing 20-10 to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day.

The Lions' offense could not get going all day. Quarterback Jared Goff authored a quiet outing with 179 passing yards, one touchdown and a pair of interceptions. The running game couldn't get going with just 68 rushing yards on 30 carries.

Meanwhile, the Vikings' passing game was quiet, as third-string quarterback Max Brosmer completed 9-of-16 passes for 51 yards.

That didn't matter, though, thanks to the powerful defense coupled with a run game that amassed 158 yards and two scores.

Wide receiver Jordan Addison's 65-yard end-around gave Minnesota a 19-10 fourth quarter lead to help put Detroit away.

And with that, the Lions will shockingly sit home this winter.

Detroit has amassed a tremendous amount on both sides of the ball this decade under general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, who turned the franchise around after the disastrous Matt Patricia era.

After an initial rebuilding year in 2021 and a promising 9-8 season in 2022, the 2023 Lions won 12 games, took the NFC North and rolled to the NFC Championship Game versus the San Francisco 49ers. They led by 24-7 at halftime but then allowed 27 straight unanswered points en route to a 34-31 loss.

In 2024, the Lions won 15 games, clinched the NFC's No. 1 seed and appeared ready to put that crushing defeat behind them.

However, Detroit went into the playoffs severely shorthanded on defense, with losses including edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, defensive lineman Alim McNeill, linebackers Alex Anzalone and Malcolm Rodriguez and cornerback Carlton Davis III. Those losses took a toll in the NFC Divisional Round, where the Washington Commanders rolled off 481 yards in a 45-31 win. Detroit also lost the turnover battle 5-0.

Hope still sprang eternal in 2025, especially with players returning from injury and the Lions bringing back the key players from the NFL's No. 1 scoring offense. Detroit did lose offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching positions with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets, though.

However, it didn't work out. The Lions now sit 8-8. The offense was still powerful and entered this week second in scoring. The defense did take a big step back, though, at No. 23 in scoring. The Lions also couldn't stop an ugly backslide after a 5-2 start, going 3-6.

Detroit did face a tough schedule, but in the end, this is nothing short of a massively disappointing season. Fans and analysts reacted accordingly.

Detroit will finish the season on Sunday, Jan. 4 at the NFC North-leading Bears.