Vikings knockout the Lions from playoff contention

Jordan Addison (Google Images)

The fact that the Detroit Lions are not in the postseason is a significant surprise. Just a year ago they and the Kansas City Chiefs had the best regular season records in the National Football League at 15 wins and two losses. Now neither the Chiefs nor the Lions are playoff bound.

In evaluating the reason why the Lions are out, they can basically only blame themselves. Detroit turned the ball over six times in a 23-10 Christmas Day loss to Minnesota. Five of the six turnovers were committed by Goff, who had three fumbles and two interceptions.

It was not like the Vikings passing attack was anything special. It is remarkable that Vikings rookie quarterback Max Brosmer of Davenport, Iowa had only 51 total yards passing, but the Vikings still won the football game by 13 points.

The key Vikings touchdown was actually on the ground. That is when Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison of Frederick, Maryland had the second rushing touchdown of his career. With the Vikings leading 13-10, Addison received the hand off from Brosmer, found a seem near the sidelines and ran 65 yards into the end zone. It gave the Vikings a 10 point lead, and sunk any confidence the Lions had of tying the football game. Addison’s first rushing touchdown was seven yards and came in a 31-29 Vikings win over the Green Bay Packers on September 29, 2024.

With the loss, the Lions are now last in the NFC North at eight wins and eight losses. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are in the postseason with a record of nine wins, five losses and one tie. The fact that Detroit is out is equally stunning when they lead the NFL with 462 points!