With their playoff lives on the line, the Detroit Lions produced an absolute dud, turning the ball over six times, forcing zero turnovers and falling to the Minnesota Vikings 23-10. That makes it a Merry Christmas for the Green Bay Packers, who clinch a playoff berth with Detroit's loss.

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 Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 23-10 on Christmas Day at U.S. Bank Stadium. The defense generated six turnovers, and Jordan Addison broke the game open with a 65-yard touchdown run.

The Detroit Lions committed six turnovers at the Minnesota Vikings to let a largely terrific defensive effort go to waste.

The Detroit Lions can't win the NFC North after taking the last two titles. The Minnesota Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention before they took the field two weeks ago.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings NFL game to be played on December 25, 2025 on ESPN.