| Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions | |||||
| Nov 2, 2025 | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | SCORE |
| Minnesota Vikings (5-3) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
| Detroit Lions (8-0) | 14 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 42 |
BOX SCORE
Undefeated Lions Crush Vikings 42-14, Set Up NFC Showdown with Washington
by Tim Twentyman, Detroit Free Press
DETROIT – The Detroit Lions continued their march through the NFC on Sunday, dismantling the Minnesota Vikings 42-14 at Ford Field to improve to 8-0 on the season. With the win, Detroit remains the NFL’s lone unbeaten team as they prepare for a massive Week 10 road clash against the 8-1 Washington Commanders.
The Lions wasted no time asserting control, jumping out to a 28-0 halftime lead and never looking back. Jared Goff carved up Minnesota’s defense, throwing for 337 yards and three touchdowns on 24-of-30 passing. His favorite target, Amon-Ra St. Brown, hauled in nine receptions for 119 yards, while Jameson Williams electrified the home crowd with a 76-yard touchdown catch late in the first quarter.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs provided balance with another star turn, rushing for 123 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, including a bruising 5-yard scoring run early in the third quarter. Veteran David Montgomery added a short touchdown plunge just before halftime.
The Lions’ defense dominated for three quarters, pitching a shutout until the Vikings finally broke through in the fourth. Justin Jefferson got loose for a 67-yard touchdown from J.J. McCarthy, and Jordan Addison added a late score. Still, Detroit’s front harassed McCarthy all game, holding him to just 174 passing yards on 28 attempts.
Aidan Hutchinson chipped in two tackles for loss and a sack, while captain Alex Anzalone led the unit with eight tackles. The defense limited Minnesota to 225 total yards and just 12 first downs, controlling the line of scrimmage throughout.
“This is the kind of complementary football we want to play,” head coach Dan Campbell said postgame. “Offense, defense, special teams—everybody did their part today. But we know it only gets tougher from here.”
The win sets up one of the biggest regular-season games in recent Lions history: a first-place NFC clash on the road next Sunday against the Washington Commanders (8-1). Detroit will enter the contest not only as the NFL’s last unbeaten team but also as a legitimate Super Bowl contender halfway through the season.
“We love where we’re at, but the job’s not finished,” Goff said. “We’ll enjoy this one tonight, then it’s on to Washington.”
Dan Campbell’s Locker Room Speech – After Lions 42, Vikings 14
The locker room is buzzing after the win. Players are cheering, music is thumping. Dan Campbell storms into the middle, clapping his hands hard, voice booming.
“HEY! HEY! BRING IT IN, BRING IT IN!
That’s how you f***ing do it, men. That’s how you defend your house. That’s how you play Lions football. From the opening whistle to the last snap, we punched ‘em in the mouth and never let up. That’s 8-0, fellas. 8-0! And we ain’t sneaking up on anybody anymore—we’re the hunters, and we’re still starving!”
The room erupts in cheers.
“Jared — damn, son. Cool, calm, efficient, carved ‘em up for over 300 yards. That’s a surgeon right there. That’s our quarterback!
Jahmyr — you ran like a man possessed. You hit the hole, you finished runs, you set the tone. That was violent, explosive football.
And Marcus freakin’ Davenport! Three sacks, man. THREE. That’s the way to slam the door shut and send ‘em packing. Huge.”
Campbell grabs the game balls, pacing the room.
“First game ball — to Jahmyr Gibbs, for running like a f***ing lion today.
Second game ball — to Jared Goff, for being the steady hand and leader of this ship.
And the third game ball — to Marcus Davenport, for making their quarterback’s life hell all damn afternoon.”
The team roars, clapping and chanting each name as the balls are handed out.
“Fellas, enjoy this one tonight. Celebrate it. But when you wake up tomorrow, it’s back to work. Because next week? Next week we go to Washington. They’re 8-1, and they think they’re the big dogs. Well guess what? The big dogs are right here in this locker room. And we’re coming to bite.
One pride on three! ONE! TWO! THREE!”
LOCKER ROOM: ONE PRIDE!
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