Jahmyr Gibbs Leads Lions to NFC No. 1 Seed with Record-Breaking Performance Against Vikings

Jahmyr Gibbs

Before stepping onto the field for the most pivotal game of his young career, Jahmyr Gibbs received a simple but powerful message from his childhood hero, Barry Sanders. The Lions legend leaned in, offered a handshake, and told the rising star, "Go get it." By the end of the night, Gibbs had done just that, carving his name into Detroit's history books.

In the Lions’ commanding 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, Gibbs delivered a performance for the ages, scoring a career-high four touchdowns. His remarkable effort not only clinched the NFC’s No. 1 seed for Detroit for the first time but also secured the team’s second straight NFC North title and a coveted first-round playoff bye. At just 22 years old, Gibbs is living up to the lofty expectations set before him, earning comparisons to Sanders himself.

“I don’t think people expected this from us, but shutting down the doubters feels great,” Gibbs told reporters after the game. His four-touchdown night marked the first such feat by a Lions running back since Sanders did it in 1991—also against the Vikings. Gibbs also surpassed Sanders’ franchise record for single-season touchdowns, finishing with 20 scrimmage TDs, the most by a Lions player since Sanders’ 17 in 1991.

Gibbs grew up idolizing Sanders, spending hours studying the Hall of Famer’s highlights and mimicking his elusive spin moves. Now, with back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in his first two years, the Alabama product is drawing comparisons to his idol. "Just being mentioned in the same breath as him is crazy,” Gibbs said, adding that Sanders and LeSean McCoy were his biggest inspirations.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell called Gibbs the team’s "X-factor," praising his resilience and ability to thrive under pressure. Despite a slow start with just one yard on his first six carries, Gibbs broke free for a 25-yard touchdown late in the first quarter, igniting his night. From there, he added a receiving touchdown and two fourth-quarter rushing scores, cementing his dominance in front of Sanders, who watched from the sidelines.

The Lions, now 15-2 with the most wins in franchise history, are far from satisfied. "We’re happy about this, but the real goal is ahead," said cornerback Amik Robertson, emphasizing the team's focus on bringing a Super Bowl title to Detroit. As they enter the postseason with home-field advantage, a perfect road record, and a league-best 70 touchdowns on the season, the Lions are carrying momentum and confidence into their quest for NFL glory.