Lions–Vikings rivalry
One of the NFL's most one-sided division rivalries: Minnesota leads Detroit 82-45-2.
The Lions–Vikings rivalry is the NFL rivalry between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings, division opponents since the Vikings entered the league in 1961. The teams moved together into the NFC Central after the 1970 merger and into the NFC North in 2002. Minnesota leads the series 82-45-2, and the two have never met in the playoffs.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Detroit, Minneapolis
- First meeting
- November 19
- 1961; Lions 37
- Vikings 10
- Latest meeting
- December 25
- 2025; Vikings 23
- Lions 10
- Stadiums
- Lions: Ford Field; Vikings: U.S. Bank Stadium
- Total meetings
- 129
- Largest victory
- Lions: 45–7 (1981); Vikings: 34–0 (1980)
- Most points scored
- Lions: 45 (1978) (1981); Vikings: 44 (1988)
- Longest win streak
- Lions: 5 (1961–1963, 2022–2024); Vikings: 13 (1968–1974)
Facts from the source article.
Background
The early games were close, but the Vikings took control in the 1970s, and by winning percentage it is one of the most lopsided division rivalries in the league. Bud Grant finished 26-8-1 against Detroit, including a 13-game winning streak, the longest in the series. The Lions' Billy Sims became Detroit's career rushing leader before a knee injury ended his career in the mid-1980s, and his record was later passed by Barry Sanders. The Vikings' final game at the Metrodome, on December 29, 2013, was a 14-13 win over Detroit.
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