J.J. McCarthy is making some top-tier throws against the Dallas Cowboys tonight. He is having a lot of success targeting his tight ends, and on the last drive he found Josh Oliver and T.J. Hockenson before finding Jalen Nailor for a score. Minnesota now leads 31-23 with 9:12 left in the fourth quarter.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions NFL game from December 25, 2025 on ESPN.

8:53 -- Minnesota does nothing with the turnover, yet another stand by the Detroit defense. But after getting the ball back, the Lions stall out after picking up one first down. Vikings have the ball back at their own one-yard line after an incredible 70-yard punt from Jack Fox.

Week 15 is in the books, and the playoff picture gets a little clearer. Vikings and “Nine” look like Vikings fans hoped they would in the first weeks of the season, the Bills cover up a 21-point deficit to take down the Pats in a T-shirt and Hat Game.

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 Lions started the second quarter with the football, and their drive ended with their second lost fumble of the game, as Jahmyr Gibbs had the ball stripped away by Eric Wilson, with Byron Murphy jumping on the loose ball for another Minnesota turnover.

The Vikings stacked back-to-back wins for the first time this season, beating the Cowboys 34-26 on “Sunday Night Football” a week after shutting out the Commanders 31-0. J.J. McCarthy once again looked poised under center,