Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (97) tackles Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) in the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Lions get clowned after being eliminated in embarrassing fashion vs. Vikings

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Dec 26, 2025 8:27 AM ET

The Detroit Lions got a huge serving of fan shaming this holiday season.

The Lions’ playoff hopes went out with a whimper Thursday in their Christmas Day matchup against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. With their 23-10 loss to the Vikings, the Lions were officially eliminated from postseason contention.

Detroit somehow lost the do-or-die contest despite going up against rookie quarterback Max Brosmer, who performed miserably in place of the injured JJ McCarthy. Brosmer went 9/16 for 51 yards in the contest and gave up nearly as many yards (48) on his seven sacks.

The Lions’ offense was simply worse. Detroit QB Jared Goff coughed the ball up five times on three fumbles and a pair of interceptions. He also got sacked five times as his offensive line failed to hold on multiple occasions.

Fans added insult to injury, clowning Goff and the Lions for choking so badly in what was a must-win contest.

The Lions offensive line right now: pic.twitter.com/yW7UK5dlpt
— Evan Fox (@evanfoxy) December 26, 2025

Max Brosmer beating the Lions pic.twitter.com/ZrkJlqhdXb
— Simpsons NFL (@TheSimpsonsNFL) December 26, 2025

The Vikings scored 23 points despite Brosmer recording just three net passing yards. It was the fewest net passing yards in a win in franchise history, and the lowest total from any winning team since 1983.

Justin Jefferson led the Vikings with a measly 30 receiving yards, while fellow wide receiver Jordan Addison paced the team with 65 rushing yards on one electrify carry.

JORDAN ADDISON JINGLE JINGLE ALL THE WAY!

DETvsMIN on @Netflix pic.twitter.com/ZbfwntyT44
— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2025

Lions fans downplayed the loss of the team’s former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson all season. Detroit sure looked like it missed Johnson on Christmas Day.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: