DETROIT (Interstat) — The Minnesota Vikings built an early lead and then withstood a furious fourth-quarter rally by the Detroit Lions to secure a 27-24 victory in a key NFC North matchup on Sunday at Ford Field.

A crowd of 64,642 watched as the Vikings improved to 4-4, while the Lions fell to 5-3.

The game was a tale of two halves, with Minnesota dominating early before Detroit mounted a comeback that fell just short. The Vikings scored on their first two possessions and never trailed, but the Lions closed the gap to three points with under two minutes to play.

Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a native of La Grange Park, Illinois, efficiently managed the game, completing 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. He also scrambled for a 9-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. His primary target was Justin Jefferson, who caught six passes for 47 yards and a touchdown. Running back Aaron Jones Sr. provided a significant spark on the ground, rushing for 78 yards on just nine carries.

The Vikings’ defense was anchored by linebacker Blake Cashman, who recorded a game-high 14 tackles. The unit also sacked Detroit quarterback Jared Goff five times, with Eric Wilson notching two and Javon Hargrave and Jalen Redmond each adding one.

Goff, from Novato, California, finished the game 25 of 37 for 284 yards and two touchdowns, but was under constant pressure. His favorite targets were Amon-Ra St. Brown, who caught nine passes for 97 yards, and tight end Sam LaPorta, who had six receptions for 97 yards and a first-quarter touchdown.

The Lions’ defense was led by linebacker Jack Campbell, who had nine tackles and a sack. The secondary came up with two critical interceptions, one by Terrion Arnold and another by Thomas Harper, which helped keep Detroit in the game after a slow start.

Minnesota seized control immediately. After forcing a Detroit punt on the opening drive, the Vikings needed just five plays to find the end zone, with McCarthy connecting with Jefferson for a 10-yard score. Following another Lions punt, McCarthy engineered a 10-play, 64-yard drive, capping it with a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end T.J. Hockenson for a 14-0 lead.

Detroit responded with a 75-yard drive of its own, finished by Goff’s 40-yard strike to LaPorta to cut the deficit to 14-7.

The Lions pulled closer in the second quarter with a methodical 13-play, 72-yard drive that consumed over six minutes. David Montgomery powered in from 2 yards out to make the score 14-13. The Vikings added a 50-yard field goal from Will Reichard just before halftime to take a 17-14 lead into the break.

Minnesota extended its lead in the third quarter on McCarthy’s scrambling touchdown, pushing the advantage to 24-14. Detroit answered with a 41-yard field goal from Jake Bates to make it 24-17 heading into the final period.

A 20-yard Reichard field goal with 3:31 remaining gave the Vikings a 27-17 cushion, but the Lions were not finished. Goff led a rapid 69-yard drive, culminating in a 34-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams with 1:55 left on the clock, pulling Detroit within three.

The Lions attempted an onside kick, but Minnesota recovered. The Vikings were able to run out the clock with a series of kneel-downs, sealing the road victory.

The win moves the Vikings to .500 and hands the Lions their second loss in three games. Minnesota hosts the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday, while Detroit travels to face the Washington Commanders.