The Detroit Lions clinched the NFC North division title and the NFC playoffs’ top seed after defeating the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18. That victory gives them a bye in the Wild Card Round before hosting the lowest seed squad.
While several individuals contributed to Detroit’s victory, Jahmyr Gibbs was undeniably their best player against Minnesota. He deserved the game ball that Lions head coach Dan Campbell gave after finishing with 23 carries for 139 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The running back from Alabama added five receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown. He finished the regular season with 19 touchdowns (16 rushing), leading all NFL players.
Jah's like that pic.twitter.com/4nGO0JpdcZ
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 6, 2025
He started the scoring against the Vikings with a 25-yard first-quarter touchdown. In the third quarter, he received a touchdown pass from Jared Goff to extend Detroit’s lead to seven, 16-9. Gibbs scored a pair of rushing touchdowns to increase the distance from Minnesota.
In 17 games, Jahmyr Gibbs had 250 carries for 1,412 rushing yards, with 52 receptions for 517 yards and four touchdowns. More importantly, Gibbs and the Lions control their playoff fate as they have a home game in the Divisional Round and the NFC Championship Game if they make it there.
-Lance Fernandez