With their playoff lives on the line, the Detroit Lions produced an absolute dud, turning the ball over six times, forcing zero turnovers and falling to the Minnesota Vikings 23-10. That makes it a Merry Christmas for the Green Bay Packers, who clinch a playoff berth with Detroit's loss.

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 23-10 on Christmas Day at U.S. Bank Stadium. Coach Kevin O’Connell spoke with reporters after talked about the team’s four-game win streak, getting back to .

Lions vs. Vikings is the middle game on Christmas, with Detroit having to avoid another loss to keep its season alive.

Video highlights, recaps and play breakdowns of the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings NFL game from December 25, 2025 on ESPN.

With JJ McCarthy out vs Lions, Vikings rookie QB impressed early on Christmas, sparking debate among fans over whether he should replace McCarthy for good.

It’s an appropriate way for the Lions’ postseason run to end, as Detroit hasn’t looked anything like their former selves in a long time. The run game has been pathetic, the rest of the offense has looked uninspired, and the explosive plays on defense killed them on a weekly basis.

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard drills a 52-yard field goal to give the Vikings a 10-7 lead over the Detroit Lions late in the third quarter.