Lions, Dan Campbell
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It was a dreadful performance from Dan Campbell's squad, with Detroit committing six turnovers – yes, six turnovers for the first time since 2015 – and averaging a measly 3.61 yards per play. It marked the Lions’ sixth-worst offensive efficiency in a game since 2010 (and their very worst efficiency in a contest since 2020).
As Detroit desperately tried to get its pass rush and coverage back on track, it abandoned its ability to stop the run. The Rams and Steelers rushed for a combined 389 yards (6.9 yards per carry) as the Lions were all but officially dismissed from playoff contention.
MLive's Dungeon of Doom podcast discusses the team's elimination from the postseason and where they go from here.
Detroit allowed five sacks and a total of eight tackles for loss. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel was a force on stunts, as he recorded 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries.
"I think we all need to take a nice, good, long look in the mirror after this,” Dan Skipper said after the Lions' loss to the Vikings.
The Detroit Lions' Super Bowl dreams came to a crushing end Thursday night with a must-win loss to the Minnesota Vikings, officially eliminating them from playoff contention.
The Detroit Lions are losing a coach as the 2025-26 season winds down, with the Christmas game against the Vikings looming.
The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions are set for an NFC North matchup on Christmas Day. Follow the action here with highlights, stats and more.
Follow Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings live updates and score in an Christmas NFL game Thursday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium to start Week 17.
The Detroit Lions were officially eliminated from playoff contention in Week 17 with their 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day.
The Vikings beat the Lions because of their defense. Brian Flores' unit, which entered the game having gone seven straight weeks without allowing a passing touchdown, dominated. The Vikings forced five turnovers. They shut down Detroit's run game, and quarterback Jared Goff looked flustered.
The Minnesota Vikings played spoiler on Christmas Day as they defeated the Detroit Lions 23-10 to eliminate them from the playoffs.