Justin Jefferson scores game-winning TD as Vikings beat Seahawks, 27-24
Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after his touchdown reception against the Seattle Seahawks with Aaron Jones #33 at Lumen Field on December 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. ((Photo by Christopher Mast/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – It felt like playoff football between the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Lumen Field.
The Vikings are chasing the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and the Seahawks are trying to stay with the L.A. Rams in the NFC West. Minnesota went to its two offensive stars to leave Seattle with a 27-24 win, an eight-game win streak and a tie with the Detroit Lions in the NFC North Division with two games to play.
The big play
How it happened: Seattle had just scored a touchdown to take a 24-20 lead, its first of the game, with 4:21 to play in Geno Smith’s score to A.J. Barner. Sam Darnold, as he has most of the season, had the answer. He evaded pressure and hit Justin Jefferson for a 39-yard touchdown to give the Vikings a 27-24 lead with 3:51 to play. Jefferson twirled mid-air between two defenders, made the grab and scored. Another huge play in a huge moment.
Jefferson had 10 catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Jordan Addison had five catches for 32 yards and a score. Sam Darnold was 22-of-35 for 246 yards and three touchdowns, with no turnovers. In his last six games, he has 15 touchdowns and one interception.
Theo Jackson calls game
Defense makes big plays: The Seahawks still had a chance to force overtime with a field goal, getting the ball back with 1:55 to play. But Theo Jackson made sure that wouldn’t happen. Smith had a miscommunication with D.K. Metcalf, and Jackson intercepted the pass to seal the game.
Dallas Turner also had an interception, and Andrew Van Ginkel added two sacks. He’s the first player since 1982 to have at least 10 sacks and two pick-6’s in a season.
NFC North race heats up
The latest: The Chicago Bears gave the Vikings no help on Sunday, losing to the Detroit Lions 34-17 on Sunday, which means the Vikings and Lions are tied atop the NFC North at 13-3 with two games left. The Eagles lost to the Commanders on Sunday, so the Vikings can earn the top seed in the NFC and a first round bye with wins over the Packers and Lions to end the season.
