Vikings Edge Lions 27-24 at Ford Field

The Minnesota Vikings edged the Detroit Lions 27-24 at Ford Field. J.J. McCarthy, returning from a five-game absence, threw two first-quarter touchdown passes, ran for another score in the third, and finished the game with a clock‑killing 16-yard third‑down completion to Jalen Nailor. Jared Goff was 25-of-37 for 284 yards and two touchdowns while Sam LaPorta and Amon‑Ra St. Brown each had 97 receiving yards; Detroit converted several fourth downs but suffered a blocked field-goal returned by Levi Drake Rodriguez that led to a key Vikings field goal. Detroit got corner Terrion Arnold and left tackle Taylor Decker back and saw safety Brian Branch return from suspension, while Kerby Joseph remained out; Minnesota had Andrew Van Ginkel return from a neck injury and had safety Josh Metellus active. The game underscored Lions concerns about creating explosive plays and handling Vikings coordinator Brian Flores’ disruptive fronts, and drew criticism of Detroit play-calling.