MINNEAPOLIS — Harrison Smith savored his moment with the roaring Minnesota crowd, blowing kisses during an extended video board display at the end of one of his best games of his 14-year career.
The Vikings had a great time, even though their season ends next week. Smith flew around the field like a child at Christmas.
Jordan Addison threw the game-tying 65-yard touchdown pass with 3:43 left after the Vikings forced six turnovers and knocked the Detroit Lions out of playoff contention with a 23-10 victory on Thursday.
Smith, a six-time Pro Bowl defensive end, had one of two interceptions and one of Jared Goff's five sacks as the Vikings (8-8) won their fourth straight game. Smith also had three pass deflections, two tackles for loss and one quarterback hit.
“When you can go out there with a defense like that and a player like that, it's just fun. I don't care what day it is. I don't care what's at stake. I don't care what's at stake. We play a really aggressive style of football that I really like,” said Smith, who wasn't ready to discuss his feelings about returning to play in 2026.
Goff was charged with three fumbles, once on a sack and twice on errant hits by backup center Kingsley Eguakun.
With a third straight loss for the Lions (8-8), the Green Bay Packers had at least a wild card berth and could still catch the Chicago Bears for the NFC North title, which had gone to Detroit the last two seasons and Minnesota the year before.
“The story of the game is turnovers,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “You can’t turn the ball over six times and win in this league.”
The Lions and Vikings combined for 29 wins last season, making it an attractive matchup for the NFL's three-game Christmas show before injuries and other setbacks turned them into underdogs in the top-heavy NFC.
Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer started in place of the injured JJ McCarthy at quarterback and – with the Vikings short of starters at both tackle spots, center and tight end – he took seven sacks, going just 9 of 16 for 51 yards against a relentless pass rush.
The Vikings had just 75 net yards before Addison took the ball and broke untouched down the right sideline for his longest career score, finishing with a pylon dive to make sure the ball went in when he was pushed out of bounds.
But Brosmer protected the ball the way Goff usually does, helping Will Reichard kick three field goals and making sure the defense's remarkable effort didn't go to waste.
“NFL football is tough, and people talk about that a lot,” Brosmer said. “NFL football is fun too. I'm not saying I don't like it. My favorite part is the process.”
Goff went 18 of 29 for 197 yards and a touchdown to Isaac TeSlaa late in the second quarter, capping a 19-play, 80-yard drive that took 10:08 off the clock. It was the first passing touchdown the Vikings had allowed in seven games, the only part of the game the defense wanted back. Everything else, including Netflix's holiday halftime show featuring rapper Snoop Dogg, felt like a party.
“We're coming out of the playoffs. Everybody shows up in white. They do their thing,” Smith said, his voice wavering as he spoke of his respect for Vikings fans. “And one of these days they will get it.”
The plus-6 turnover differential was the best in the NFL this season and tied with five other teams for the best mark in any league game in the last nine years, according to Sportradar.
The only time in Vikings history they committed at least six turnovers without committing any was in 1975, when they committed eight takeaways in a 38-0 win over Atlanta.
Lions: LB Alex Anzalone and cornerback Thomas Harper were ruled out of the game with concussions, and cornerback Avonte Maddox did not play with a back injury. Harper and Maddox started in place of standouts Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, who are on injured reserve. … Eguacun was promoted from the practice squad to start in place of Graham Glasgow (knee), who was active. LT Taylor Decker (shoulder) was inactive. … DT Aleem McNeil (stomach) aggravated an injury that made him questionable to play.
Vikings: Miles Price injured his ankle on the first punt and did not return. … RB Jordan Mason (ankle) was inactive.
The Lions will travel to Chicago in Week 18 when the Vikings host Green Bay. These games will take place on either January 3rd or 4th.
