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Lions knock off division-leading Vikings as playoff chase gains steam

Detroit — In the Detroit Lions' biggest December home game since 2017, and in front of a sellout crowd at Ford Field, the team denied the Minnesota Vikings a chance to claim the NFC North crown, while bolstering their own playoff hopes.

The Lions received critical contributions in all three phases to knock off the division-leading Vikings, getting revenge for a loss earlier in the season. Quarterback Jared Goff threw a pair of long touchdown passes, the defense forced a turnover in the red zone, and a successful fake punt fueled the 34-23 victory on Sunday, which was sealed with a pass to offensive tackle Penei Sewell in the closing minutes.