Jake Bates leads the Lions to the NFC North lead with a 31-29 lead over the Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS – The Detroit Lions lived up to their courage mantra on Sunday afternoon.

The Lions recovered from an initial double-digit deficit and stormed again after a fumble from six to beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-29 at US Bank Stadium and take first place in the NFC North, the NFL’s best division.

Kicker Jake Bates remained perfect with the boot Victory on the 44-yard field goal 15 seconds left. Bates is 10 out of 10 this season after signing with the Michigan Panthers following a standout spring season in the United Football League.

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Vikings safety Josh Metellus hit the ball out of David Montgomery in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 36-yard scoop-and-score by Ivan Pace Jr. and a 29-28 Vikings lead with 5:50 to play after the 2-point conversion was stopped.

But after the offense stalled again, the defense was stopped and the offense went for the win.

The Lions trailed 10-0 in the first quarter of their first game since losing their best defensive player, Aidan Hutchinson, to a broken leg. But they scored three touchdowns in the second half and led 21-10 at halftime.

The Lions (5-1) and Vikings (5-1) are now tied at the top of the division and will meet again in Week 18 in Detroit. The Green Bay Packers (5:2) and the Chicago Bears (4:2) also remain in the hunt for the division title.

After winning two road games, the Lions host the Tennessee Titans (1-5) next Sunday at Ford Field at 1 p.m.

This story will be updated shortly.

Dave Birkett will be signing copies of his new book, “Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline,” at 24 Seconds Bar & Grill in Berkley on Monday at 7 p.m. and at Stadium Cards & Comics in Ypsilanti on Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m . Order your copy here.

Contact Dave Birkett at [email protected]. Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

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