5 Takeaways from a Dominant Minnesota Vikings Win over the Detroit Lions
Against all odds, the Minnesota Vikings have improved their record back to .500.
The Vikings gave fans a Christmas gift by winning their fourth consecutive game with a victory over the Detroit Lions, which secured a season sweep against a division rival that had given them fits in recent years.
The win moved the Vikings’ record to 8-8, and while they won’t be able to make the playoffs this year, Minnesota has certainly found something to build upon for 2026 down the stretch of this season. Here are five takeaways from Minnesota’s most recent victory.
1. Any Second Thoughts About the Coaching Staff Should Be Gone
When the Vikings were in the doldrums of their 2025 season, there were some calling for the franchise to essentially blow everything up, including moving on from head coach Kevin O’Connell. Those thoughts should be gone.
J.J. McCarthy’s development looked much better over the final three games of his season, and now, the Vikings found a way to get a win with third-string QB Max Brosmer starting at QB.
Granted, the Vikings didn’t figure things out in time to make the playoffs, but there is no reason to believe that this team cannot at least compete for a playoff spot next year as long as McCarthy is healthy and continues to develop.
2. Andrew Van Ginkel Does It Again
If there could be one player named as the man who spearheaded this win for the Vikings, it’s Andrew Van Ginkel.
The veteran has made himself a staple presence in Brian Flores’ defense, and he did it again in Week 17. Not only did he record five tackles and 1.5 sacks, but he helped force a fumble and recovered two fumbles himself during this game.
Van Ginkel’s numbers have not quite been the same as 2024 when he was receiving votes for Defensive Player of the Year (in part due to injury), but he has taken over multiple games on the defensive side of the ball again this season.
3. Dallas Turner’s Growth
Many came into this season hoping to see more from Dallas Turner in his second season, but the first half of the year largely led to disappointment in the 2024 first-round pick. However, over the past couple months Turner has begun showing some of the potential that made him such a highly touted prospect two springs ago.
Turner now has 4.5 sacks over the past seven games, and he met Van Ginkel to record a sack of Jared Goff and force a fumble in a pivotal moment at the beginning of the fourth quarter on Thursday. Turner is now up to nine tackles for loss and six sacks on the season. Not a bad showing.
4. Ryan Wright Puts Exclamation Point on a Fantastic Season
When a team only has three net passing yards in a game, that will lead to one thing: a lot of punts. Ryan Wright has had a superb season in 2025, and he put an exclamation point on this season in Week 17.
The Vikings punter booted the ball seven times over the course of the afternoon, averaged 51.1 yards per punt, and he pinned the Lions inside their own 20 twice. Wright now has 23 punts pinning opponents inside their 20. It’s been a nice bounce back season for Minnesota’s punter.
5. Justin Jefferson’s Quest Continues to Week 18?
Justin Jefferson went into Christmas Day needing 83 yards to reach the 1000-yard mark for the sixth straight time to begin his career. He finished the day with four receptions for 30 yards.
That means Jefferson still needs 53 yards in Minnesota’s final game of the season to give him 1000 receiving yards for the season. However, seeing as the Vikings don’t have a ton to play for in Week 18, there is a chance that the star doesn’t even suit up for that game in order to preserve his health heading into 2026.
It’s been a frustrating year for Jefferson with career lows in receptions per game, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Missing out on that 1000-yard mark for the first time would only add to that list.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
You must be logged in to post a comment.