Lions vs. Vikings Live Score Updates
Let's do the football thing one last time this season, Vikings fans.
This may be a 'meaningless' Week 17 game against the Lions, but the Vikings still have things to play for. They want to bounce back from an ugly loss to the Saints on Christmas Day and take some positive momentum into next year. Plus, beating the Lions would extend Minnesota's winning streak over Detroit to seven games.
Beyond just looking at the outcome, there are a number of players to pay attention to for the Vikings today. Of course, the headliner is Justin Jefferson, who is chasing rookie receiving yardage history. But he's not alone. Alexander Mattison and Irv Smith Jr. are other young players to watch on offense. Defensively, there are plenty of guys looking to make a strong impression in the finale.
For the Lions, Matthew Stafford is toughing it out by playing through three different injuries in what could be his final game in a Lions uniform. They're also looking to bounce back on defense and close out their 2020 campaign with a win.
Click here to read my prediction for the game, as well as picks from a bunch of national writers.
If you can't watch, follow along with our live updates below. Make sure to refresh the page for the latest updates.
Also, make sure to follow me on Twitter for updates and commentary all game long.
Live Updates
Final Score: Vikings 37, Lions 35
4:26 – D'Andre Swift scores a touchdown after a Marvin Jones TD was called back upon review. However, the Lions can't convert the two-point try and the Vikings remain in front.
Vikings 37, Lions 29
10:36 – Kirk Cousins gets in the end zone on a QB sneak and breaks out a hilariously on-brand Griddy dance. Dan Bailey missed the extra point, because of course.
Third Quarter
1:09 – History. Justin Jefferson just broke Anquan Boldin's record for receiving yards as a rookie in the Super Bowl era. 1,378 yards and counting despite not starting the first two games. Jefferson is special.
Vikings 31, Lions 29
3:02 – Adrian Peterson gets in for his 118th career touchdown, the first time he's ever scored against the Vikings. The Lions missed the two-point attempt.
Vikings 31, Lions 23
7:59 – The Vikings settle for a field goal after Harrison Smith's fifth interception of the year.
Vikings 28, Lions 23
11:38 – And the Vikings respond right back. A Justin Jefferson 37-yard catch and run leads to Alexander Mattison's second touchdown of the game.
Lions 23, Vikings 21
14:09 – The Lions open the second half with a long kickoff return and an easy touchdown pass to Marvin Jones.
Second Quarter
Halftime: Vikings 21, Lions 16
0:04 – Well, that was hilarious. The Vikings' two-minute offense has been terrible all year, but Cousins finds Chad Beebe, who bounces off a tackle and runs it in for a 40-yard touchdown.
2:58 – Yikes. Dan Bailey just missed another field goal, hitting it wide left from 46 yards out. He's now missed nine kicks over the past five weeks and is just 14 of 21 on field goals this year.
Lions 16, Vikings 14
7:17 – Despite missing an extra point earlier, Matt Prater just drilled a 54-yard field goal.
Vikings 14, Lions 13
8:56 – Yeah, this is starting to look like a shootout. These defenses just aren't very good. The Vikings drove down and picked up their second receiving touchdown by a running back in the first half. This time, it was former Lion Ameer Abdullah.
Lions 13, Vikings 7
13:19 – The Lions strike back! Stafford throws a dart to rookie Quintez Cephus from Wisconsin, beating Harrison Hand in coverage. This one might turn into a shootout.
First Quarter
Vikings 7, Lions 6
0:34 – The Vikings finally get something going on the Detroit defense. On fourth and short, Kirk Cousins finds Alexander Mattison out of the backfield for a 28-yard touchdown reception. Nice work by Mattison in the open field.
Lions 6, Vikings 0
4:45 – Anthony Harris's rough season continues. He dropped an easy interception earlier in the first quarter and just gave up a 43-yard touchdown to Marvin Jones. The Vikings look awful right now. The Lions did miss the extra point, though.
8:35 – This game has been an absolute mess so far. Neither team can get anything going on offense against these awful defenses. Even a Lions fumble on a punt return didn't result in anything for the Minnesota offense.
