SEATTLE (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings pulled off a thrilling 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Sunday, maintaining their strong playoff hopes amid tough NFC competition. Sam Darnold connected with standout receiver Justin Jefferson late in the game for his third touchdown pass, solidifying the Vikings' eighth consecutive win and preserving their place at the top of the NFC North.
With just 3:51 left on the clock, Darnold made the pivotal play of the game. Facing heavy pressure, he stepped up and launched a deep throw to Jacob Jefferson, which turned out to be the game-winning touchdown. Jefferson, who was double-covered at the time, managed to haul the pass down just short of the end zone before securing the score—finishing the day with 10 receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns.
The Vikings (13-2) demonstrated resilience and skill as they inch closer to clinching the top seed for the playoffs. If they can beat their upcoming opponents, the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, they will earn a well-deserved first-round bye. For head coach Kevin O’Connell, this victory also marks his second 13-win season with the franchise, setting him apart as the first coach with multiple seasons of this caliber.
The game had its fair share of shifts, especially following Geno Smith's impressive performance for the Seahawks. Smith passed for 314 yards, throwing three touchdowns but unfortunately two interceptions, one of which came at the worst possible moment. After giving Seattle (8-7) the lead with less than five minutes left, work on the field turned sour as his late-game interception sealed the team’s fate.
Early on, the Vikings wasted no time. They executed a 12-play opening drive, culminating with Darnold’s 5-yard pass to Jordan Addison, establishing the first lead of the game. The Seahawks responded well, equalizing through DK Metcalf’s catch, but it was Darnold's 14-yard connection with Jefferson later on, which helped the Vikings reclaim control at 14-7.
Despite going toe-to-toe throughout the match, Seattle found its rhythm leading to the half, as Smith connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for his first touchdown late before the break. The Seahawks rallied impressively, reflecting the determination necessary to match up against their formidable opponents.
Entering the second half tied at 17, the excitement escalated with Jason Myers tying things up with his 43-yard field goal before Darnold recalibrated and took charge once again, obtaining another field goal from Will Reichard. Seattle answered back with their own back-and-forth, including Smith finding AJ Barner for the lead, one of the many moments showcasing the intense competition.
But the Vikings held their ground and managed to respond swiftly, thanks to another impactful drive capped off by the game-winning touchdown from Darnold to Jefferson—but it wasn’t without some dramatic moments. The Seahawks had two opportunities to tie the game late; unpleasantly, their initial 60-yard field goal attempt by Myers fell short, nearly missing wide.
Even at the final stretch of gameplay, Seattle was caught with just 49 seconds left on the clock, leaving Smith to face relentless pressure from the Vikings’ defense. A miscommunication led to Theo Jackson intercepting Smith and securing the Vikings' victory, capping the game with nail-biting intensity.
For the Seahawks, this loss signifies the end of their previously hopeful playoff march, leaving them trailing behind the Los Angeles Rams for the division lead. With two remaining matchups against the Chicago Bears and the Rams themselves, the team’s fate will be tested as they try to maintain their playoff aspirations against tight competition.
The Vikings will now turn their focus to their next opponents, the Green Bay Packers, and then will face the Lions in what could very well decide not just the NFC North title, but the path to playoff supremacy across the NFC.
This thrilling contest reaffirmed the Vikings' status as one of the elite teams of the season, proving their worth not only through offensive prowess but also through defensive stability at opportune moments, making them one of the teams to watch as we move closer to the playoffs.
