How the Lions defeated the Vikings 31:29 in the NFC North duel

The Vikings approached midfield on an impressive catch by Justin Jefferson in traffic for 18 yards and picked up another 5 yards on the first defensive holding penalty of the day from a Lions secondary that has been rejected more than any other in the league. When the drive stalled, Kevin O'Connell sent out his rookie kicker, who still didn't miss.

Will Reichard fired his 57-yard attempt almost into the front row of the stands, giving those sitting behind the crossbar a chance to catch it on the fly. The field goal gave the Vikings a 10-0 lead. — BEN GÖSSLING

Aaron Jones spent his bye week in Eagan rehabilitating his right hamstring with everything from acupuncture to laser treatment to time in a hyperbaric chamber. The Vikings concluded at the end of the week that he was healthy enough to play against the Lions because of all the work he had done. On the Vikings' first drive, they immediately went to Jones and it paid off.

The running back ran 33 yards for a touchdown, going untouched from the left side of the line to give the Vikings a 7-0 lead after they deflected a fake punt to start the drive with a short field. Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels spoke this week about being prepared for the Lions' frequent punt fakes. Brian Asamoah stopped Jalen Reeves-Maybin on the handoff after the Lions decided to do so in the fourth and seventh.

The Vikings had put Detroit in dire straits with a sack by Andrew Van Ginkel that followed a Lions penalty, and the Lions gained 19 yards on third-and-26, but coach Dan Campbell opted for the fake punt, though the Lions needed to pick up 7 yards. It turned into early momentum for the Vikings when Jones jumped into the stands at U.S. Bank Stadium (a Bank Vault rather than a Lambeau jump) after building another lead for a team rare this season had fallen behind. — BEN GÖSSLING