Matt Prater's 47-yard field goal gave the Lions a 3-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
Three plays earlier, Theo Riddick's career-long 42-yard run on third-and-7 gave the Lions a fresh set of downs, preventing a three-and-out.
However, the Lions, on a 1-yard pass to Golden Tate, a run for no gain from Dwayne Washington and an incomplete pass out of the hands of Anquan Boldin forced a fourth down.
Lions force punt on first drive
The Lions defense took a few plays to settle in against the Vikings.
Minnesota's first three plays were quick passes.