What We Learned From the Week 18 Lions

The Detroit Lions finished the season and started 2025 with a win at home.

Sunday night’s game was very pressured, and it almost seemed like other games did not matter. The 14-2 Vikings were playing the 14-2 Lions for the No. 1 seed and the NFC North.

The game started slowly. Many anticipated a highly offensive game after watching the Lions’ 40-34 win over the 49ers last week. However, the defense held the Vikings to only nine points (three field goals).

Alex Anzalone was a refresher to the injured defense. He suffered an injury in Week 11 but returned today with a cast over his scared left arm. He was productive, leading the defense with seven tackles.

Jahmyr Gibbs scored four touchdowns and ran for 139 yards (170 scrimmage yards). His performance was the key to the Lions’ victory.

What We Learned

Jahmyr Gibbs is a beast.

Some of the beasts in Norse mythology that the Vikings feared:
Kraken
Fenrir
Jahmyr Gibbs #MINvsDET

— Lions Lead🦁 (@LionsLeadSM) January 6, 2025

He had 23 carries, four receptions and all four of the Lions’ touchdowns. Additionally, he performed pass protection. Anyone can run with the ball, but Jahmyr Gibbs took off with the ball, weaving gaps, shaking off defenders, and plowing through.

That's four of them thangs @jahmyr_gibbs1 🙌#MINvsDET | 📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/BMEunFGqeP

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 6, 2025

Gibbs pushed himself partway in his final touchdown, and then the Detroit People Movers pushed the rest. His performance cannot be admired without considering what the offensive line did to help. In his 47-yard rush, they opened the lane exactly where Gibbs was going, letting him run out faster than a dog chasing the mailman.

There goes Jah again ⚡️#MINvsDET | 📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/pd6rPYqQdY

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 6, 2025

The Defensive Line is getting healthy and applying pressure.

Here comes the pressure 😤#MINvsDET | 📺 NBC | #DefendTheDen pic.twitter.com/MhqTjnGL96

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 6, 2025

The Lions only had two sacks and 10 quarterback hits, but there is more to playing the game than looking at stats. Time and time again, Darnold’s pocket collapsed quickly, requiring him to throw unconcentrated passes that affected his 18-for-41 performance.

This does not mean there is no work left. The Lions had several opportunities for sacks that were given up and often allowed forward progress on the play. Every play matters in the playoffs, and the Lions cannot allow QBs to have time to get away. It goes beyond yardage and position and affects the game’s momentum.

The Lions’ aggressive play-calling paid off.

The Lions forced the Vikings to jump offsides on 4th & 2 inside the 10-yard line.

While it is unknown if Dan Campbell would let the play go on or call a time-out, it was known that the Vikings jumped. On the very next play, the Lions scored a touchdown. Nobody was sure what would happen, but the play call was believable.

The Lions have a reputation to go for it, and they could have. A field goal would secure the 18-point lead (two scores). The Vikings fell right into the Lions’ trap, who held the ready position just long enough to pull them offside. Although it isn’t the flashy hook-and-ladder or fake fumble, it tricked them.

Looking Forward

Next week: first-round bye (in case you forgot what was at stake in last night’s game).

What to do now: Get healthy. David Montgomery is preparing to return soon after his sprained MCL, and Alex Anzalone played in a cast Sunday. The Lions continue to win despite injuries, but a healthy team is more prepared for whatever chaos the postseason brings.

Right now, the only certainty about the Divisional round is that the Lions will not play the Eagles or Bucs.

There is always the potential for a Week 18 rematch against the Vikings.