Game story
In Week 16 of the 2023 NFL season on 2023-12-24, the Detroit Lions took care of business against the Minnesota Vikings, pulling away with a 30–24 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 23 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Goff (Detroit Lions) paced the passing game, with +14.89 total EPA, and +1.6% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Goff (Detroit Lions) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +14.89 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-26.1% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Minnesota Vikings changed the game: (:58) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass deep middle intended for 18-J.Jefferson INTERCEPTED by 6-I.Melifonwu at DET 5. 6-I.Melifonwu to DET 16 for 11 yards (30-C.Ham).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 7 | 16 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 30 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Goff · Detroit Lions · Passing · +14.89 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
- 2 J. Jefferson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +7.76 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.78 EPA/play
- 3 N. Mullens · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +6.86 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
- 4 K. Osborn · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +6.86 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.98 EPA/play
- 5 A.St. Brown · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +6.27 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.45 EPA/play
- 6 J. Williams · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +3.63 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
- 7 T. Hockenson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.17 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.79 EPA/play
- 8 S. LaPorta · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +3.14 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.05 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Goff — DET · Passing
J. Goff posted the highest total EPA (+14.89) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Detroit Lions's efficiency. Across 43 counted snaps, they averaged +0.35 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.99 EPA) came from Detroit Lions: (2:12) 26-J.Gibbs left end to DET 49 for 13 yards (24-C.Bynum). FUMBLES (24-C.Bynum), touched at MIN 49, RECOVERED by MIN-40-I.Pace at MIN 46. 40-I.Pace to DET 48 for 6 yards (14-A.St. Brown; 87-S.LaPorta).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Detroit Lions — D. Montgomery
- Minnesota Vikings — T. Chandler
- Detroit Lions — J. Gibbs
- Minnesota Vikings — J. Jefferson (N. Mullens pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Osborn (N. Mullens pass)
- Detroit Lions — A. St (J. Goff pass)
- Detroit Lions — J. Gibbs
Field goals
- Detroit Lions — M. Badgley
- Minnesota Vikings — G. Joseph
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q1 52:17) — (7:17) 70-D.Skipper reported in as eligible. 5-D.Montgomery right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q1 52:13) — 17-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-43-J.McQuaide, Holder-3-J.Fox.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 2 (Q1 47:53) — (2:53) (Shotgun) 32-T.Chandler right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q1 47:51) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright..
The second quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 16–7. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the MIN 18 (Q2 35:08) — (5:08) 17-M.Badgley 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-43-J.McQuaide, Holder-3-J.Fox.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the MIN 14 (Q2 31:54) — (1:54) 26-J.Gibbs right end for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the MIN 15 (Q2 31:48) — 17-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-43-J.McQuaide, Holder-3-J.Fox.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 26 (Q2 30:37) — (:37) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass deep right to 18-J.Jefferson for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q2 30:29) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright..
The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–6. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DET 6 (Q3 27:01) — (12:01) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass short right to 17-K.Osborn for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q3 26:56) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q3 19:41) — (4:41) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short middle to 14-A.St. Brown for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN..
The fourth quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 7–3. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the MIN 3 (Q4 11:09) — (11:09) 26-J.Gibbs right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 11:07) — 17-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-43-J.McQuaide, Holder-3-J.Fox.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the DET 8 (Q4 5:22) — (5:22) 1-G.Joseph 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 0:58) — (:58) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass deep middle intended for 18-J.Jefferson INTERCEPTED by 6-I.Melifonwu at DET 5. 6-I.Melifonwu to DET 16 for 11 yards (30-C.Ham).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 27:51) — (12:51) 12-N.Mullens pass deep middle to 17-K.Osborn to DET 6 for 47 yards (30-K.Dorsey).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 1:05) — (1:05) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass deep right to 4-B.Powell ran ob at DET 30 for 26 yards (32-B.Branch).
- Detroit Lions (Q3 16:55) — (1:55) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep left to 14-A.St. Brown to DET 48 for 25 yards (24-C.Bynum).
- Detroit Lions (Q3 23:28) — (8:28) 26-J.Gibbs left guard to MIN 16 for 18 yards (98-D.Wonnum).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Detroit Lions (Q1 47:12) — (2:12) 26-J.Gibbs left end to DET 49 for 13 yards (24-C.Bynum). FUMBLES (24-C.Bynum), touched at MIN 49, RECOVERED by MIN-40-I.Pace at MIN 46. 40-I.Pace to DET 48 for 6 yards (14-A.St. Brown; 87-S.LaP
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 30:37) — (:37) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass deep right to 18-J.Jefferson for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 6:52) — (6:52) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass deep left to 18-J.Jefferson to DET 47 for 28 yards (31-K.Joseph). DET-31-K.Joseph was injured during the play. PENALTY on DET-31-K.Joseph, Unnecessary Roughness, 15
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 0:58) — (:58) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass deep middle intended for 18-J.Jefferson INTERCEPTED by 6-I.Melifonwu at DET 5. 6-I.Melifonwu to DET 16 for 11 yards (30-C.Ham).
Quarterback report card
J.Goff led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Goff (Detroit Lions) · 43 dropbacks · 69.8% completion · +1.6% CPOE · +0.35 EPA/play · +14.89 total EPA
- N.Mullens (Minnesota Vikings) · 43 dropbacks · 51.2% completion · +6.2% CPOE · +0.16 EPA/play · +6.86 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Detroit Lions | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.112 | +0.015 |
| Offensive success rate | 44.0% | 39.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.346 | +0.160 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.021 | -0.344 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.015 | -0.112 |
| Defensive success rate | 60.9% | 56.0% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Detroit Lions generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.11 vs +0.01), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Detroit Lions: 11 drives, +11.23 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 10 drives, +1.06 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Detroit Lions leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- J. Goff (Detroit Lions) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- N. Mullens (MIN) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q1 52:17 · MIN 1 · Score 6-0
(7:17) 70-D.Skipper reported in as eligible. 5-D.Montgomery right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q1 52:13 · MIN 15 · Score 7-0
17-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-43-J.McQuaide, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 47:53 · DET 2 · Score 7-6
(2:53) (Shotgun) 32-T.Chandler right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 47:51 · DET 15 · Score 7-7
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q2 35:08 · MIN 18 · Score 10-7
(5:08) 17-M.Badgley 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-43-J.McQuaide, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 31:54 · MIN 14 · Score 16-7
(1:54) 26-J.Gibbs right end for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions TD (+7) — Q2 31:48 · MIN 15 · Score 17-7
17-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-43-J.McQuaide, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 30:37 · DET 26 · Score 17-13
(:37) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass deep right to 18-J.Jefferson for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 30:29 · DET 15 · Score 17-14
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 27:01 · DET 6 · Score 17-20
(12:01) (Shotgun) 12-N.Mullens pass short right to 17-K.Osborn for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 26:56 · DET 15 · Score 17-21
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 19:41 · MIN 1 · Score 23-21
(4:41) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short middle to 14-A.St. Brown for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 11:09 · MIN 3 · Score 29-21
(11:09) 26-J.Gibbs right guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q4 11:07 · MIN 15 · Score 30-21
17-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-43-J.McQuaide, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 5:22 · DET 8 · Score 30-24
(5:22) 1-G.Joseph 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-14-R.Wright.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings?
The Detroit Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings 30-24 in Week 16, 2023 on 2023-12-24.
What was the final score of Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings?
The final score was Detroit Lions 30, Minnesota Vikings 24 (DET 30-24 MIN) in Week 16, 2023 on 2023-12-24.
What was the score by quarter in Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: Detroit Lions 7, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q2: Detroit Lions 16, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q3: Detroit Lions 6, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q4: Detroit Lions 7, Minnesota Vikings 3; Final: Detroit Lions 30, Minnesota Vikings 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings?
Detroit Lions touchdown — D. Montgomery (Q1 52:17) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — T. Chandler (Q1 47:53) Detroit Lions touchdown — J. Gibbs (Q2 31:54) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Jefferson (N. Mullens pass) (Q2 30:37) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Osborn (N. Mullens pass) (Q3 27:01) Detroit Lions touchdown — A. St (J. Goff pass) (Q3 19:41) Detroit Lions touchdown — J. Gibbs (Q4 11:09) Detroit Lions field goal — M. Badgley (Q2 35:08, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — G. Joseph (Q4 5:22, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings?
J. Goff (Detroit Lions), 69.8% completion, +1.6% CPOE, +0.35 EPA per dropback, +14.89 total passing EPA. N. Mullens (Minnesota Vikings), 51.2% completion, +6.2% CPOE, +0.16 EPA per dropback, +6.86 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings?
J. Goff (Detroit Lions) led the game in total EPA with +14.89 on passing plays. across 43 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.99 EPA): (2:12) 26-J.Gibbs left end to DET 49 for 13 yards (24-C.Bynum). FUMBLES (24-C.Bynum), touched at MIN 49, RECOVERED by MIN-40-I.Pace at MIN 46. 40-I.Pace to DET 48 for 6 yards (14-A. The biggest win-probability swing was -26.1%.
Was Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings a close game?
Yes — the margin was 6 points. Detroit Lions won 30-24 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Detroit Lions
Entered 10-4 Now 11-4 W
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 7-7 Now 7-8 L
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