Jordan Addison made a 65-yard jet-sweep handoff for the game-clinching touchdown with 3:43 left as the Minnesota Vikings forced six turnovers and were eliminated from playoff contention with a 23-10 win over the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day.
Harrison Smith, a 14-year veteran safety, recorded one of Jared Goff’s two interceptions and one of his five sacks as the Vikings (8-8) won their fourth straight game. Goff was charged with three lost fumbles, one sack and two charges for an errant snap on backup center Kingsley Eguaqun.
The Lions’ three-game losing streak (8-8) gives the Green Bay Packers at least a wild-card spot and they still have a chance to catch the Chicago Bears for the NFC North title, which went to Detroit the past two seasons and Minnesota the year before that.
The Lions and Vikings combined for 29 wins last season, and before injuries and various other setbacks forced them out of the race, this game was an intriguing three-game matchup that served as the NFL’s Christmas Day showcase.
Leader in statistics:
lions
Passing: Jared Goff, 18/29, 197 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT Rushing: Jahmil Gibbs, 17 carries, 41 yards Receiving: Amon-Ra St. Brown, 8 catches, 68 yards
vikings
Passing: Max Brosmer, 9/16, 51 yards Rushing: Jordan Addison, 1 carry, 65 yards, 1 TD Receiving: Justin Jefferson, 4 catches, 30 yards
Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer started at quarterback in place of the injured JJ McCarthy, and while the Vikings were without a starter at the tackle spot, center and tight end, he gained 51 yards and had seven sacks on just 9-of-16 against a relentless pass rush.
The Vikings only had 75 net yards, and when Addison got the ball, he ran unscathed down the right side for his longest career score, then dived toward the pylon to make sure it was a goal after being pushed out of bounds.
But Brosmer protected the ball, as Goff always does, and helped set up Will Reichard’s three field goals, making sure the defense’s impressive efforts didn’t go to waste.
Goff completed 18 of 29 for 197 yards and a touchdown pass to Isaac Tesla late in the second quarter, capping a 19-play, 80-yard drive with 10:08 remaining. It was the first passing touchdown the Vikings had allowed in seven games.
Dallas Cowboys 30-23 Washington Commanders
The Dallas Cowboys reached the end zone on each of their first three possessions and Dak Prescott threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns to beat Washington.
Both teams had previously been eliminated from playoff contention, significantly diminishing the importance of this matchup between the longtime NFC East rivals. However, the same could not be said for the Cowboys (7-8-1), who led 21-3.
The Coaches (4-12) closed the gap to a touchdown on three different occasions. However, they were unable to make a complete comeback, absorbing their 10th loss in 11 games.
Prescott completed 19 of 37 passes and helped convert all six of Dallas’ fourth down tries. He had 30 touchdown passes with two touchdown passes, tying Tony Romo’s four-season franchise record for at least 30 touchdown throws.
Leader in statistics:
cowboys
Passing: Dak Prescott, 19-of-37, 307 yards, 2 TD Rushing: Malik Davis, 20 carries, 103 yards Receiving: Cavonte Turpin, 1 catch, 86 yards, 1 TD
commander
Passing: Josh Johnson, 15-of-23, 198 yards Rushing: Jacorey Crosskey Merritt, 11 carries, 105 yards, 2 TDs Receiving: Deebo Samuel, 2 catches, 68 yards
Playing without injured quarterbacks Jayden Daniels (elbow) and Marcus Mariota (quadriceps, hand), Washington turned to 39-year-old journeyman Josh Johnson. Johnson, making his 10th career start and first since 2021, went 15-of-23 for 198 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Washington scored on runs of 10 and 72 yards by Jacorey Crosskey Merritt. A late touchdown gave the Commanders a 24-17 lead in the third quarter, but Dallas regained a double-digit lead with Brandon Aubrey’s 52-yard field goal.
Aubrey added 51 yards to make it 30-20 with 3:59 left.
Prescott threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jake Ferguson on the game’s opening drive, and Johnson went 3-for-3 for 68 yards to put Washington up 7-3. The key play was Deebo Samuel’s 41-yard gain, Johnson’s longest since 2018. It ended with Samuel bumping into Donovan Wilson and knocking off his safety helmet.
On their second possession, the Cowboys had three quarter downs in a 17-play march that ended with a Javonte Williams touchdown run. Prescott then completed three TDs on three drives with an 86-yard scoring pass to Cavonte Turpin.
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