The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats from their November 2, 2025, clash provide a fascinating glimpse into a high-stakes NFC North rivalry game. Played at Ford Field in Detroit, this Week 9 matchup saw the Vikings emerge victorious with a narrow 27-24 win over the Lions. As division foes, these teams always deliver intense battles, and this game was no exception, featuring standout performances, critical turnovers, and clutch plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. 

J.J. McCarthy, making his return, threw for two touchdowns and added a rushing score, leading the Vikings to a jubilant locker room celebration. This victory improved Minnesota’s record while dealing a blow to Detroit’s playoff aspirations in a tightly contested division. In this blog, we’ll dive into the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats, analyzing every facet of the game from passing and rushing to receiving, defense, and special teams.

Game Overview

The game unfolded as a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading scores throughout the quarters. The Vikings jumped out to a 14-7 lead in the first quarter, but the Lions fought back to tie it at 14-14 by halftime after a 7-7 second quarter. Minnesota regained control with a 7-3 edge in the third, and the teams split 10 points in the fourth (3 for Vikings, 7 for Lions), sealing the 27-24 final score.

Key moments included an early Lions touchdown on a 40-yard pass from Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta, followed by Vikings responses like Justin Jefferson’s 10-yard TD catch and T.J. Hockenson’s 4-yard score. McCarthy’s 1-yard rushing TD in the third quarter proved pivotal, and Will Reichard’s 50-yard field goal in the fourth provided the winning margin. The Lions mounted a late drive, but a missed field goal by Jake Bates and a strong Vikings defense held firm.

This matchup highlighted the resilience of both squads. The Vikings, dealing with injuries earlier in the season, saw McCarthy’s return as a boost, while the Lions leaned on their potent passing attack but struggled on the ground. Now, let’s break down the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats category by category.

Passing Stats

Passing was a cornerstone of this game, with both quarterbacks putting up solid numbers despite pressure from aggressive defenses. For the Minnesota Vikings, rookie sensation J.J. McCarthy stepped up in his return from injury, completing 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. He threw two touchdowns but had one interception, taking five sacks for a loss of 27 yards. His QBR was 44.5, and his passer rating stood at 82.6. McCarthy’s poise was evident in key throws, including the TD passes to Jefferson and Hockenson, showcasing his ability to extend plays with his mobility.

On the Detroit side, veteran Jared Goff was more prolific, going 25 for 37 with 284 yards, averaging 7.7 yards per attempt. He also tossed two touchdowns with no interceptions, enduring five sacks for 44 yards lost. Goff’s QBR was 53.1, and his passer rating was an impressive 108.4. His connections with LaPorta and Jameson Williams for scores highlighted Detroit’s aerial threat, but the Vikings’ secondary limited big plays in crucial moments.

Comparing the two, Goff had the volume advantage with more attempts and yards, but McCarthy’s efficiency in scoring situations (including his rushing TD) tipped the scales for Minnesota. Team totals reflect this: Vikings at 14/25 for 143 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT; Lions at 25/37 for 284 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs. These Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats underscore how passing efficiency versus volume can decide close games.

Ground Game Struggles and Breakouts

Rushing provided contrast, with the Vikings dominating on the ground while the Lions faltered. Minnesota totaled 29 carries for 142 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry with one touchdown. Aaron Jones Sr. led the way with 9 carries for 78 yards (8.7 avg), including a long of 31 yards. Jordan Mason added 10 carries for 36 yards (3.6 avg), and McCarthy contributed 9 carries for 12 yards, including his 1-yard TD plunge. Jordan Addison chipped in a 16-yard end-around.

Detroit, meanwhile, managed only 20 carries for 65 yards, averaging 3.3 per carry with one TD. David Montgomery had 11 carries for 40 yards (3.6 avg) and the score, while Jahmyr Gibbs added 9 for 25 yards (2.8 avg). The Lions’ inability to establish the run forced them into predictable passing situations, allowing the Vikings’ defense to pin their ears back.

This disparity in rushing yards (142 vs. 65) was a key factor in time of possession and field control. The Vikings’ balanced attack wore down Detroit’s front seven, making the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats a testament to Minnesota’s superior line play.

Receiving Stats

Receivers shone brightly, with both teams spreading the ball around. For the Vikings, Justin Jefferson was the top target, hauling in 6 catches for 47 yards (7.8 avg) and one TD, on 9 targets. Jordan Addison had 2 for 48 yards (24.0 avg), including a 31-yard long. Aaron Jones added 2 for 20, Jalen Nailor 1 for 16, T.J. Hockenson 2 for 11 with a TD, and Mason 1 for 1. Team totals: 14 receptions for 143 yards, 10.2 avg, 2 TDs on 23 targets.

The Lions’ receiving corps was more productive in yards, but couldn’t overcome the deficit. Sam LaPorta led with 6 catches for 97 yards (16.2 avg) and a TD. Amon-Ra St. Brown had 9 for 97 (10.8 avg), Jameson Williams 4 for 66 (16.5 avg) with a TD, Brock Wright 1 for 11, Montgomery 2 for 10, Gibbs 3 for 3, and Kalif Raymond 0 on 1 target. Totals: 25 receptions for 284 yards, 11.4 avg, 2 TDs on 36 targets.

Jefferson’s reliability and LaPorta’s explosiveness stand out in these Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats, illustrating how star receivers can influence game flow.

Defensive Stats: Sacks, Tackles, and Turnovers

Defense played a starring role, with both teams recording five sacks each. The Vikings’ unit tallied 80 total tackles (34 solo), 5 sacks, 10 TFLs, 1 PD, and 11 QB hits. Blake Cashman led with 14 tackles (6 solo), Eric Wilson had 6 tackles and 2 sacks, and Javon Hargrave had 8 tackles and 1 sack. They forced one fumble (Montgomery, recovered by Harrison Smith) and had no interceptions.

Detroit’s defense countered with 61 tackles (36 solo), 5 sacks, 7 TFLs, 3 PDs, 9 QB hits, and one interception (Terrion Arnold off McCarthy). Jack Campbell had 9 tackles (6 solo) and 1 sack, Alex Anzalone had 7 (4 solo). They recovered McCarthy’s fumble but lost Montgomery’s.

These stats highlight the physicality, with the Vikings’ edge in TFLs disrupting Detroit’s rhythm. Turnovers were even (1 fumble lost each, 1 INT for the Lions), but Minnesota’s defense made stops when it mattered most.

Special Teams and Kicking: The Difference-Makers

Special teams added drama. Vikings kicker Will Reichard was perfect, 2/2 FGs (long 50) and 3/3 XPs for 9 points. Lions’ Jake Bates went 1/2 FGs (long 41) and 3/3 XPs for 6 points, with his miss proving costly.

Kick returns: Vikings’ Myles Price 5 for 164 yards (32.8 avg, long 61); Lions’ Jacob Saylors 6 for 170 (28.3 avg, long 39). Punt returns: Price 1 for 7; Kalif Raymond 2 for 15.

Field position battles favored Minnesota slightly, contributing to their win in the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats.

Player Spotlights and Game Implications

J.J. McCarthy’s multifaceted performance, including passing TDs and rushing scores, marked him as a rising star, earning praise from teammates. For the Lions, Goff’s 284 yards and LaPorta’s 97 were highlights, but the run game’s woes exposed vulnerabilities.

This win boosted the Vikings’ divisional standing, while the Lions faced questions about their ground attack. In a season full of twists, this game exemplified NFC North intensity.

FAQs

Final Words!

The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions match player stats from November 2, 2025, paint a picture of a closely fought battle where execution in key moments made the difference. The Vikings’ balanced offense and stout defense edged out the Lions’ passing prowess, resulting in a 27-24 thriller. As the season progresses toward the December 25 rematch, these stats will serve as a benchmark for both teams.