Story by
Jahmyr Gibbs shines as Detroit Lions win NFC North title, clinch No. 1 seed
- Story by
- Jahmyr Gibbs shines as Detroit Lions win NFC North title, clinch No. 1 seed
It's a party in Motown. For the second straight season, the Detroit Lions (15-2) are NFC North champions.
The Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings (14-3), 31-9 , in the first ever regular-season game in NFL history between two teams with 13-plus wins apiece. The victory earned the Lions the NFC's No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. It's the first time in franchise history the Lions have earned the No. 1 seed in the postseason.
Advertisement
Minnesota will enter the playoffs as the No. 5 seed and travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams in the NFC's wild-card round .
The NFC North championship bout was a defensive showdown in the first half. Detroit had a 10-6 halftime lead as each side struggled to punch it in the end zone.
The Lions took control in the second half behind running back Jahmyr Gibbs and stout defense.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) stiff arms Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman.
Gibbs, who totaled 160 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns when the two clubs met in Week 7 , was again a difference-maker for Detroit. The Lions versatile running back produced a franchise record-tying four touchdowns, which included three touchdowns in the second half. He compiled 170 yards from scrimmage, three rushing touchdowns and one touchdown reception in the victory. Gibbs' 13-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach for Minnesota. He added another 4-yard rushing touchdown later in the fourth quarter for good measure.
Advertisement
Detroit outscored Minnesota 21-3 in the second half.
Gibbs finished the regular season with an NFL-high 20 touchdowns from scrimmage.
The Lions defense made huge defensive stands throughout the contest as they forced Minnesota to go 0-4 in the red zone. Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was held to three catches for 54 yards.
The Lions finished the regular season an undefeated 6-0 in the division. It's the first time in franchise history the Lions have won consecutive NFC North titles.
All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter .
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Detroit Lions win division title, clinch NFC's No. 1 playoff seed
