(Week 12) Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens

(4-7)

(6-5)

VS

Without DeShaun Watson at the helm, the Houston Texans are bulls without horns. Not good, especially considering they faced the best defense in the league Monday night in the Baltimore Ravens. 

GAME RECAP: Ravens 23 Texans 16

God, what a slogfest... Even the players looked bored! Baltimore continues to live and die by their defense. If they play well, the Ravens win. If they don't, they look like the laughingstock of the NFL. Monday night, they played well, hence the result. The Ravens may not have any bite, but their defense is all they need to keep the game within reach at all times. Savage and the Texan offense were at least somewhat competent, but I don't think anyone expected them to win. 

(Week 12) Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

(5-6)

(9-2)

VS

The tale of two teams... The Packers struggle to find themselves without their Dark Magician Aaron Rodgers, while the Steelers dominate the AFC with a hybrid offense and a rock solid defense. These forces clashed in a Super Bowl 45 rematch Sunday night, the Packers desperately trying to keep their playoff hopes alive against the potential AFC Champions.

GAME RECAP: Steelers 31 Packers 28

The Steelers have nothing to be proud of. Roethlisberger? 2 interceptions against a mediocre defense, at best. Bell? Stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey. Oh, and the guy who won the game for you, Chris Boswell? He missed an extra point after the first TD in the game! The Steelers played down to their competition here, which spells trouble come playoff time. We shouldn't put everything on the Steelers, however. Brett Hundley channeled Aaron Rodgers with three big passing TDs and several crunch time first downs, finding the trademark Packer receiving core every time he needed to. Congrats, Steelers, you barely beat a Packer team led by a second stringer. Have fun against New England in the playoffs!

(Week 12) Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders

(3-8)

(5-6)

VS

Yet another divisional rivalry coming to a head this weekend, with the Denver Broncos visiting the Oakland Raiders. Yes, they may be the toilet bowl of the AFC West, but these are two teams that have been given the short end of the stick all season. I expected a good game out of these two, with the Raiders fair offense matching the Broncos solid defense.

GAME RECAP: Raiders 21 Broncos 14

A fairly basic game of football with the expected outcome...but that Michael Crabtree/Aqib Talib fight, tho. Seriously, this sport is turning into the WWE in the worst way. Does Roger Goodell understand that I started watching football to GET AWAY from wrestling. At least Talib and Crabtree would be a better main event than Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, but I digress... The Denver Broncos were well on their way to getting schalacked yet again, but unexpected fortune shined down in the 4th quarter for the Mile High mavericks. Using Rope of Life, the Broncos brought Siemian back from the graveyard with 800 boosted attack points, passing for 2TDs for the Broncos in the 4th quarter. Unfortunately, it was too late; the Raiders had already entered the quarter up by 21, and not even Siemian could bring the Broncos back from the dead. The Raiders are going to have to stay on the horse, no pun intended, if they want a second chance at the Lombardi trophy after being robbed last year. 

(Week 12) Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Arizona Cardinals

(7-4)

(5-6)

VS

The Jags went to Glendale to take on the NFL's retirement home in a rare interconference matchup. The Cardinals may be riding on the aging backs of star veterans Adrian Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald, but they remain in the hunt for a coveted wild card spot (let's face it; the Rams pretty much have the division in hand). "Sacksonville," going in, was the Cardinals worst nightmare, considering their O line is made of glass. 

GAME RECAP: Cardinals 27 Jags 24

This is only their fifth meeting? Hopefully they have a hundred more! A surprisingly interesting rushing and defensive duel, with the Cardinals narrowly escaping with a crucial win. The Jaguars are officially the strangest team in the NFL. One week, they can make the great Ben Roethlisberger look like a third stringer. The next, they can lose to a team that would be lucky to even sniff a playoff appearance. As per usual, the Jags rushing and defense did most of the work, while Bortles continued to find creative ways to get picked off. In fact, both of Bortles TD's were rushing TD's; even his own rushing is better than his pass game! Gabbert isn't off the hook for the Cardinals, however. That late game interception should've put this game on ice. 

(Week 12) New Orleans Saints vs. LA Rams

(8-3)

(8-3)

VS

Two of the NFL's offensive powerhouses going head to head? Finally, something interesting. It's honestly been a pretty boring weekend of Thanksgiving football, but at least the football Gods threw us a bone here. This game was destined to be a close, high octane affair.

GAME RECAP: Rams 26 Saints 20

This game was close as promised...although scoring was intermittent. Sammy Watkins and Todd Gurley were noble steeds, while Cooper Kupp made the Saints defense look like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Brees was potent as always, but the Rams weren't gonna put up with their bull. Again, though this game was low scoring, both teams played their absolute hearts out. I hope we see this game again in the playoffs, when there's more on the line. 

(Week 12) Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers

VS

Let's face it; without Sherman or Chancellor, the Seahawks are basically forced to ride on the wings of Russell Wilson for the rest of the season. This is bad news for the Legion of Boom going forward, but the 49er's are the Goombas of the NFC. There was more riding on this game than most people were aware...

GAME RECAP: Seahawks 24 49ers 13

If you thought the 49ers were going to win this game, consider seeing a mental health professional. Like it or not, 49ers fans, the Seahawks are still in the playoff hunt, and even without their signature bullets, the gun known as Russell Wilson is working just fine. Beathard should stick with just running the ball. Sure, he had 200+ yards passing, but in typical 49ers fashion, he couldn't find the end zone with Samus Aran's X-Ray Visor. The Seahawks didn't score much, but they didn't have to. 49ers, hopefully you'll improve on your record from last year. As for the Seahawks, hope that Wilson can carry you to the playoffs this year. Also, I still don't know why the Seahawks didn't run it.

(Week 12) Carolina Panthers vs. New York Jets

(8-3)

(4-7)

VS

The NFC South is seeing a huge resurgence this year, and the Panthers are definitely in the playoff conversation. However, they lose games they really shouldn't lose...looking at you, Chicago Bears. The Jets are essentially the AFC's version of the Bears; they are one of the dark horses of the league. If Cam wants another shot at the big one, he has to prove he can win the small ones.

GAME RECAP: Panthers 35 Jets 27

The Panthers may have won today, but this game was far too close for comfort. Cam showed off his hybrid QB skillset once again, but the Jets didn't back down. McCown took to the air on several occasions, scoring on two deep passes. Thankfully for the Panthers, the Jets did...Jets things, including a fumble and allowing the Jets to return a punt 66 yards for a TD. A pretty good game here, but the Panthers picked up the win that everyone saw coming. Panthers, work on that secondary. Jets...never mind, you're not listening.

(Week 12) Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles

(3-8)

(10-1)

VS

The best Philadelphia Eagles team in years faced off against a forever "rebuilding" Bears squad. The Eagles pretty much have the NFC East cinched, while the Bears will be lucky to finish .500. Let's face it, this game exists for the same reason the Brooklyn Brawler used to exist in the WWE: to make the Eagles look dominant.

GAME RECAP: Eagles 31 Bears 3

Not even a solid Bears defense could stop the raging Wentz express. If you watched this game thinking the Bears had a chance...I suppose you wouldn't be totally nuts. Though the Bears have only won three games this season, all three were playoff contenders: the Steelers, the Panthers, and the Ravens. On the other hand, the Eagles have completely dismantled just about every team they've faced this year. The game was pretty much over after the second half, the Eagles having taken an early 24-0 lead off 3 TD's from Carson Wentz. The Eagles even scored on a fumble! The Eagles are the class of the division, while the Bears continue to struggle. We shouldn't be too hard on the Bears' D...the Eagles are dominating after all. However, Mitchell Trubiskey is certainly not the answer for the Bears' offensive woes. 

(Week 12) Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons

(4-7)

(7-4)

VS

Yet another divisional matchup on Thanksgiving weekend, this time between the Falcons and the Bucs. The NFC South is a tough division right now, and the sinking Buccaneers are going to be the proverbial conduit for the Saints, Panthers, and Falcons in their duel to claim the division. The Falcons needed this win to get the edge.

GAME RECAP: Falcons 34 Buccaneers 20

The Falcons looked like their old selves today. Scoring more than 30 points? Check. Every receiver firing on all cylinders? Check. Giving up too many points towards the end?! ...check, but hey, at least they won. The Bucs secondary couldn't even break up a pass from Mohamed Sanu, a WIDE RECEIVER. Ryan Fitzpatrick and running back Peyton Barber simply found the keys to the Falcon kingdom a bit too late, and the Falcons would always respond on offense. This is the Falcon team that could potentially make it back to the Super Bowl...provided they don't get swallowed by the division leaders in the Wild Card round. 

(Week 12) Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts

(7-4)

(3-8)

VS

AFC South showdown, with the tanking Colts hosting a playoff-hopeful Titans team. Not really much to say here, just wishing it was the mid-2000's again when games between these two teams were actually good.

GAME RECAP: Titans 20 Colts 16
Not gonna lie, I didn't watch this game live. From what I understand, however, attendance was awful at this game. Who could blame the fans, however? The Colts are the butt of the already hilarious joke that is the AFC South. Not much to say here, Indianapolis had the advantage at the half, but Mariota led his boys to the win in the second half. A bit of a slog fest, and neither of these teams are impressive enough to win me over. I'd love to see the Titans make the postseason, and they've proven they can beat the Jags. Perhaps there will be an interesting game between those two at the end... And as for the Colts, enjoy getting a decent offseason draft pick.

Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Week 12)

(0-11)

(5-6)

VS

Oh look, a team the Browns could conceivably beat. The Browns playoff pipe dream may have ended four or so weeks ago, but the proverbial Lombardi trophy for the Browns these past two seasons has been merely winning a game. The Bengals, while still in the playoff hunt, are mere shadows of what they used to be. This was a must-win for the Browns.

GAME RECAP: Bengals 30 Browns 16

And they lost anyway... Jim Gaffigan...er, Andy Dalton... struggled early, but the lackluster running game of the Bengals had their way with the Browns front tackles. Dalton may have put two TD's on the board, but the running game is ultimately what got him there in the first place. Do I even need to talk about the Browns? DeShone Kizer left early due to a possible concussion, but thankfully came back in. He may not have thrown any picks, but Kizer still needs more experience. His running TD was great, sure, but the Browns are in desperate need of a passing game. The Bengals may have waltzed away with a win, but this is the Browns we're talking about. The Bengals have at least 3 very difficult games ahead, but they picked up the necessary win today. 

Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Week 12)

(6-5)

(6-5)

VS.

Two struggling teams met in tomahawk-chop land. The Chiefs looked to stay on top of a competitive AFC West division, while the Bills continued to scrounge for a wild card spot. 

GAME RECAP:  Bills 16 Chiefs 10

Alright Chiefs fans, it's time to worry. If you can't win at home against the laughing stock of the AFC East, consider your AFC Championship hopes dashed. Andy Reid's offense couldn't do a darned thing against the Bills secondary, while the stud Kareem Hunt couldn't get his feet off the ground. It's not like the Bills played that well either; Tyrod Taylor still has communication apprehension when it comes to the end zone. Tyrod, you have to get more than one TD to win a game, you know. Alex Smith used Monster Reborn to bring back his hybrid offensive style, running it in for KC's only TD. It was nice to see, but a football's offense should never fall on one player. Of all teams to look good in the AFC West after this weekend, I have to say that the Chargers have colored me impressed. As for the Bills, they still have a long way to go to finally get their coveted playoff spot. 

Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots (Week 12)

VS

An AFC East rivalry game that would've been exciting in the mid 90's, with the Dolphins looking to put their offensive woes behind them against a resurging New England defense.

GAME RECAP: Patriots 35 Dolphins 17

Oh look, the Patriots win...again. I will say, the Dolphins kept this game relatively interesting until the 4th quarter, with 2 defensive turnovers in the first half. Someone explain to me how the fumbled snap was the center's fault... Tom Brady clearly wasn't paying attention! Unfortunately, not even the great Matt Moore could get his offense on the same page. He threw 2 interceptions, one in the end zone at the end of the second half. Damien Williams is the only impressive player on the Dolphins offense right now. Meanwhile, New England continues to fire on all cylinders, with both the offense and defense taking. Brady hasn't aged a bit, making what was once one of the best defenses in the league look like decapitated chickens, while Rex Burkhead plowed his way through the Dolphin tackles. New England is still the king of the AFC East.

New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins (Thanksgiving)

(4-6)

(2-8)

VS

Yawn...maybe the Redskins will win this game and be slightly more likely to make the playoffs...or this game has no bearing on the playoff picture whatsoever. Can the Giants keep up the momentum from their win over the Chiefs (you can stop laughing now), or will the Redskins actually do something noteworthy for once?

Predictions:
A team will win. And their record will improve...I jest of course, but seriously, if the Giants win this game, I will jump in frozen Lake Ontario. Do the Redskins want a playoff spot? Then this is the time to prove it. On paper, the Redskins competent defense shouldn't have any problem holding down the high school team pretending to be the Giants, and Cousins should melt the Giants defense like linburger cheese. And yet, we've seen stranger things this season. The sun may have set on McAdoo's playoff hopes, but the Giants have found ways to beat two teams they shouldn't have beat.

Game Recap:
This was sad...A boring showdown of offensive ineptitude in the first half, in which both teams seemed to be playing to not lose, rather than playing to win. The Redskins pulled it out as expected in the second half, when Cousins found Jamison Crowder in the end zone late in the third to make the game 10-3. Washington fans shouldn't celebrate yet, however. That 53-yard pick six by Janoris Jenkins (who plays for the 31st RANKED DEFENSE IN THE NFL, BTW) was proof that Washington's offense still has a long way to go. Josh Doctson's receiving TD may have iced the game for the Redskins, but Jay Gruden's boys will have to do a lot better in the games ahead if they want to turn heads in the NFC.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys (Thanksgiving)

(4-6)

(5-5)

                 

           

VS

Two teams that are miring in mediocrity this year, the Chargers and the Cowboys have a rare interconference matchup on Thanksgiving. Which team will set themselves apart from the rabble in their respective divisions?

Prediction: 
I think the Chargers will take it after an offensive shootout 34-28. Neither team's defense is going to make the crucial stops, so it will all come down to who can score first. We'll most definitely see an angry Phillip Rivers, and an indifferent Jerry Jones. Both teams need this win, but if the Cowboys want a chance to make the playoffs, they need to snuff the bolts tonight. The Chargers can't slack either; even with the Chiefs and Raiders struggling, they still have a lot of catching up to do to take a playoff spot.

Recap: Chargers 28 Cowboys 6
Well, that happened... The Chargers swallowed the Cowboys whole in a surprising show of offensive dominance and defensive solidarity, limiting the Cowboys to only one TD. Rivers looked like his 2009 self, firing gunsmoke downfield throughout the game, always finding his receivers. An over-the-head TD catch from Tyrell Williams, and a couple of jukes on a Keenan Allen catch-and-run that put him in the end zone, put the Chargers three scores up, but the Chargers two late interceptions effectively tamed the Cowboys for good. The Chargers performance wasn't flawless, however; special teams continue to be a problem for the bolts, in the form of THREE MISSED EXTRA POINTS AND A MISSED FIELD GOAL. It's panic time in Jerry Jones land, but at least we got to see Phillip Rivers smile for once.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions (Thanksgiving Special)

6-4

8-2

VS

Happy Turkey Day everybody! Welcome to my first game recap/live post on this blog; a special Thanksgiving Day divisional matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions! The game took place at 12:30 at Ford Field. The Vikings are looking to avenge their  *ahem* embarrassing 14-7 loss at home to the Lions earlier in the season, while the Lions aim to remain undefeated in divisional play. Can the Vikings sail to victory over a struggling Lions team, or will the Lions continue to dominate the division?

Predictions:
This is a game with major playoff implications. I'm gonna go with the Vikings on this one, with a 30-17 win. The Lions will keep it close, as they've always had Minnesota's number, but I personally believe Case Keenum and the Viking receiving core is too good right now. Towards the end, like they usually do, the Vikings will start to really move the ball, and clinch the win with a TD with under 5 minutes remaining. I think the Lions will move the ball well, but the Viking's defense will ultimately keep Jim Caldwell's dumpster-fire of a Red Zone offense out of the end zone in crucial moments.

Recap: 30-23, Vikings
As expected, Stafford kept the Vikings within reach. Penalties and a mediocre showing by the Viking special teams unit gave the Lion's hopes a shot in the arm; ultimately, however, Keenum and his receiving core kept the purple people eaters on top the entire game. Meanwhile, the Viking defense made the stops when they needed to be made, while the Lions defense at too much turkey and fell asleep at the table. The Vikings are now in prime position for the NFC North title, while the Lions have a long battle to claim a wild card spot against a huge field of contenders.


Live Comments:
1st Quarter:
Oh good, more penalties for the Vikings. 30 yards on the return plus 5 for the Lions.

Viking defense shuts down Lions opening drive. Only lets them get nine yards.

Looked like Lions were trying to get the Vike's defense offside. Nice try, Caldwell, but Vikings defense doesn't fall for it.

Scary catch by Sherles. Vikings start on own 20.

Vikings playing conservative on offense to start. Didn't work last year, let's see if it does today.

Rocket from Keenum to Thielen, big catch, plus unsportsmanlike conduct against Detroit gives them first down and more.

Viking running game doesn't seem to be going anywhere early.

Keenum keeps it and runs for six yards on 3rd and 4, first down.

Short pass to Thielen, 13 yards and the first down.

Illegal block on Minnesota, moving back to 1st and 19.

Pass to Diggs, gets 13 yards back.

Murray, how do you drop that pass!!??

Diggs gets the first down.

There's the running game, Murray runs for 10 and another first down.

First and goal: Nothing on the run.

2nd and goal: Wide open pass to Kyle Rudolph, TD.

Extra point blocked. As usual, Detroit's gotta make it exciting.

Kai Forbath, thank God you can kick a field goal. How do you miss 5 extra points??

Lions start on their 25.

Gain of 17 off short pass to Marvin Jones. First down Detroit.

Butterfinger Abdullah does it again: fumble and Vikings recover in Detroit territory.

McKinnon gets stuffed again, loses one yard.

McKinnon gets a short pass, big gain. McKinnon lost control of the ball after he was down, and Thielen grabbed it and ran it in. Initial call was TD, but McKinnon was as down under as Australia, no TD.

Keenum with the sneak, another TD and a Thanksgiving Dinner celebration for the Vikings.  Maybe when they win this game, they can put the Vikings on Broadway, call them "Excessive Celebration" or something...

Lions get it back on their 25.

Illegal formation puts Lions at 2nd and 10.

Lions stuck in cement, forced to punt again.

Vikings get it back on their 28.

Long pass to Thielen, but inches short of first down.

Vikings' appear to be going for it on 4th and 1. False start on offense, five yards back, and now they will punt. If the Viking's defense wasn't a brick wall, this would perhaps be the life the Lions need.

Good punt, Lions get it on their 15.

Abdullah gets the catch and run for the 1st down and a bunch more.

Vikings defense proves to be made of mahogony against both the run and the pass, while their offense slices through the Lion's secondary like corwood in the 1st Quarter. With that, we skol to the 2nd.

2nd Quarter:

Big pass to Golden Tate, but he's out of bounds. Holding call against Viking defense gives Lions automatic first down. In other news, time travel confirmed.

Ebron gets a short pass, carries for another first down. Expecting the Lions to start passing more soon; Vikes run defense is too good.

Stafford sacked, loses five.

Stafford finds Jones Jr. for first down.

Stafford tries to find Fells in end zone, but Vikings break it up.

Dropped pass by Theo Riddick on an easy TD. Who else but the Lions??!!?

Incomplete pass by Stafford, but two offsetting penalties result in repeat of down. Lions get one more chance at the first down or the end zone.

Pass broken up by Xavier Rhodes, Lions settle for field goal.

Prater gets it. 13-3, Vikings.

Holding against Vikes on kickoff. Penalties really starting to bite. Vikes start on their own 8.

Keenum almost loses ball on carry. 3rd and 8 Vikings.

Keenum throws incomplete, holding call against Lions give Vikes crucial first down.

Thielen drops a low pass, 3rd and 6.

Wright with the grab in the middle of the field, first down Vikings.

Diggs gets the ball off the toss for 10 yards.

McKinnon finally gets a hole, big gain for another first down.

Keenum keeps and runs again for 1st down. I think he has more running yards than his running backs.

Big pass to Thielen, another first down.

Another running loss for Vikes, six this time. Reminiscent of Ray Lewis.

Yet ANOTHER running loss on 3rd down. 4th and very long, Vikes go for 53 yard FG attempt.

Forbath is blocked AGAIN, remains 13-3.

Stafford had a lot of time, and still threw incomplete.

Stafford can't find anyone on 3rd down either, 3 and out for Lions.

Vikings get ball on 25.

Murray loses one on run, Vikes RB's have gum shoes today.

Rudolph gets 1st down and a lot more.

Wright gets first down, is held down too long, gets five more from delay of game penalty. What are you doing, Lions??

Rudolph with a big catch in the end zone over the heads of Lions defenders, TD.

FORBATH GOT AN EXTRA POINT!!! 20-3 Vikings.

Lions get it back on 25 again.

Amazing grab by Golladay for Lions in Viking territory, although they are reviewing it.

Pass interference on Rhodes, Lions move down to Viking 12 yard line off penalty.

Facemask on Kendricks, Lions move to Viking 6 yard line, 1st down.

Stafford finds Jones Jr. right at the plane, TD Lions. Ruling on field stands after review.

20-10, Vikings.

Keenum kneels to end half.

20-10 Vikings at end of half.

Minnesota continues to dominate offensively and defensively, but costly penalties for the Vikings are the only things keeping the Lions in the game. As expected, Stafford waits until crunch time to do anything, scoring the team's first TD right at the end of the half. However, I'm surprised at how poorly the Vikings are running the ball; Keenum is essentially carrying the run game on his back. The Vikings will come out in the second half with more passing to offset the poor run game, while the Lion's chant their "hail Stafford's" with the hopes that he will actually complete a pass.

Also, Jason Derulo is a manufactured American Idol pretty boy with no place on a football field.

3rd Quarter:

So much for stuffing the running game; Lions defense too busy stuffing a turkey, as Murray runs for first down and a whole lot more.

McKinnon picks up another big run, this time 16 yards. Vikings in Red Zone less than two minutes in.

McKinnon makes it first and goal with another big run.

Murray runs it in for TD.

Forbath makes the extra point. 27-10 Vikings.

Stafford makes a completion for a first down. No, I didn't hit the wrong key.

Marvin Jones Jr. makes big 3rd down conversion off a great juggling catch

Lions actually moving the ball pretty well.

Ebron with catch in middle of the field for first down.

Trae Waynes for Vikings may be injured after great tackle.

Abdullah gets a short pass, but loses a yard.

Stafford finds Fells in the end zone on great catch, TD.

Under review.

Ruling changed to incomplete. Controversial decision, but the ball was pinned against the ground. Lions also waited too long to snap the extra point.

Prater's FG is good, 27-13 Vikings.

Controversial no-call on pass interference after Keenum airs it out for Diggs. If that's not pass interference, than I don't know what is anymore.

Keenum sacked...when was the last time you heard that? Loss of five.

Keenum can't find anyone, 4th down.

Good punt return from Golden Tate, but flag is down. Block in the back against Lions.

Tate having his knee checked after punt return. Not what the Lions wanted.

Stafford finds Bolladay in midfield, first down. Swanson, the Lions Center, appears to be injured.

Ebron with another big catch for the Lions on third down, first down.

Lolcow Lions like usual. Attempted flea flicker goes haywire when Stafford juggles the ball. Holding against defense gives Lions first down anyway.

Zimmer throws a challenge flag, although Riddick was obviously down. Who else but Zimmer?!?!

Stafford turns back the clock, and his noodle arm returns.

Stafford sacks and the ball comes out, Detroit recovers but...ouch.

Prater puts up another field goal. 27-16, Vikings.

Vikes start at their own 25.

Murray swallowed, loses four.

Keenum sacked again. Taunting call against Keenum?! Apparently, all he did was flick the ball at the guy who sacked him (didn't get his name)Vikings punting from deep in their Red Zone.

Stafford making it interesting in the 3rd, but once more he can't find the end zone. The early Viking TD gives them a considerable advantage, but Stafford is the king of 4th quarter comebacks.

4th Quarter:

Lions get good starting field position.

Unbelievable Jones Jr. grab in double coverage, breaks away for Lions TD. Stafford may be hurt.

27-23, Vikings.

Crucial 3rd and 3 for the Vikes. Looks like Stafford is okay.

Good play by Keenum, narrowly escapes blitz, dumps it off to Thielen, first down.

Another first down off catch from Adam Thielen

Murray runs, barely enough for first down, Thielen now has 1,000 receiving yards this season.

Big 3rd and 10 coming up.

Bad pass, Vikings will punt.

Lions start deep in their own territory. This has quickly turned into a good game.

Only the Lions would have the first down, then run backwards. 3 and out.

Vikings start at their own 40.

Pass dumped off to Diggs, who barely gets the first down.

Block in the back on the Vikings. Ugh.

Diggs with a big gain, nobody stopped him. WHY WOULD YOU RUN OUT OF BOUNDS?!

Keenum with glue fingers, almost stripped but held on!

Forbath is good. 30-23, Vikings.

Lions get it on the 25.

Terrible pass goes incomplete.

Too high from Stafford to wide open Tate.

4th and 8 for Lions.

Xavier Rhodes interception in Lions territory.

BLOCKED FIELD GOAL...but once again, only the Lions would go offsides to make a great play. Vikings win 30-23.