For all the advance Sam Darnold displayed this season, this was not his evening.
The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions battled on Sunday Night Football to find out the NFC’s No. 1 seed, and the Lions‘ move rush flustered Darnold sufficient to make him appear like a shell of his 2024 self. Aaron Glenn’s protection generated 22 pressures, and Darnold went simply 3-of-13 passing on these performs. The fixed strain helped the Lions win 31-9 and clinch a first-round bye within the playoffs.
Detroit’s offense additionally appeared shaky at first, however the unit strung collectively three landing drives within the second half — all capped by Jahmyr Gibbs — to tug away. Gibbs’ massive evening on offense, that includes 4 touchdowns and 170 all-purpose yards, and Amik Robertson‘s sensational defensive effort to restrict Justin Jefferson had been the keys to victory for Detroit.
And now the NFC North crown belongs to the Lions for the second straight yr.
PFF’s devoted group of graders was laborious at work, analyzing each participant on each play in actual time. The grades and information will likely be out there after an intensive evaluation tomorrow at midday ET.
In the meantime, we’ve gathered some high-level information and snap counts from the sport to present you an early look. Our skilled graders have additionally nominated the standout participant of the sport, highlighting distinctive efficiency on the sector.
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HIGHEST-GRADED PLAYERS
Note: Follow together with PFF’s in-game grading as our analysts consider each participant on each play in actual time! Grades will then be relocked 90 minutes after the ultimate whistle as our first-run evaluation is reviewed.
Click right here to see PFF’s preliminary grades from this recreation!
PLAYER OF THE GAME
The Lions pulled away within the second half due to landing after landing after landing by Jahmyr Gibbs. The second-year operating again accounted for eight first-down runs, 4 missed tackles compelled and 4 touchdowns to shut out the common season, along with his 170 all-purpose yards.