Vikings make a comeback in the NFC North
Officially, the Detroit Lions have been eliminated from the NFC North. The greatest comeback in NFL history helped the Minnesota Vikings win the division crown.
At the half, the Vikings were trailing 33-0 behind the Indianapolis Colts. Minnesota was 0-for-6 with third downs and managed only 82 yards to be eviscerated at the hands of the 4-8-1 Colts. Indianapolis returned one touchdown with a blocked punt. They added another touchdown with a pick-six from a sloppy Kirk Cousins.
Halftime arrived and the game’s script was completely changed. Cousins was able to throw for four second-half touchdowns, and Dalvin Cook took the reins on the ground. The Colts were unable to get more than one first-down, and the Vikings moved the ball quickly.
The Vikings tied the game at 36, and then won overtime when Greg Joseph calmly made a field goal of 40 yards that was the game-winning goal. The win mathematically secures the division for Minnesota, which now stands at 11-3.
Now, the Lions must compete for a wildcard spot. This quest will continue on Sunday in New York, when the 6-7 Lions meet the 7-6 Jets.