Justin Jefferson powers Vikings in thriller over Seahawks to keep pace with Lions in race for No. 1 seed

The Minnesota Vikings held off the Seattle Seahawks in a 27-24 thriller Sunday to keep pace with the race for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs in a critical battle for each team’s playoff fate.

Minnesota took the lead with an opening drive touchdown and didn’t trail until allowing a Seahawks touchdown with 4:21 left in the fourth quarter. But the Vikings answered with a 70-yard touchdown drive to regain the lead and secure the victory to improve to 13-2.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith capped a 68-yard drive with a touchdown pass to AJ Barner in the back of the end zone to give Seattle its first lead of the game at 24-20.

But Justin Jefferson ensured the Vikings wouldn’t leave Seattle without a win. On first-and-10 at the Seattle 39 with 3:58 left, Jefferson broke free down the left sideline over the top of the Seattle secondary. He then adjusted his route and spun in the air to catch an underthrown ball from Sam Darnold before running into the end zone.

The touchdown was Jefferson’s second of the day in his most productive game of the season. He finished the day with 10 catches for a season-high 144 yards.

The Seahawks had a chance to tie the game on their ensuing drive. But Jason Myers’ 60-yard field goal attempt fell short.

The Seahawks had one last chance after forcing a Vikings punt with 1:01 left. But Smith threw an interception to Theo Jackson and secured the victory for the Vikings.

Darold finished his day completing 22 of 35 pass attempts for 246 yards and three touchdowns. The Vikings didn’t turn the ball over. Minnesota’s defense intercepted Smith twice and had the Seahawks quarterback sacked twice in the second half.

How the result affects the Vikings’, Seahawks’ playoff fate

With the win, the Vikings tied for the best record in the NFC with the Detroit Lions, who also improved to 13-2 on Sunday with a win over the Chicago Bears. The win sets up a Week 18 showdown between the Vikings and Lions that could be for the NFC North crown and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.

The Philadelphia Eagles fell to 12-3 on Sunday with a loss to the Washington Commanders to fall a game behind the Vikings and Lions. The Vikings will play the Green Bay Packers in Week 17. The Lions will take on the San Francisco 49ers.

Barring a tie by the Eagles for the NFC’s best record, the winner of the NFC North will secure the No. 1 seed that comes with a first round bye and home court advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The loser would be relegated to a wild-card spot and a road game in the first round of the playoffs.

With the loss, the Seahawks fall to 8-7, a game behind the 9-6 Los Angeles Rams for first place in the NFC West, a critical blow to their playoff hopes. The NFC does not expect to produce a wild-card team. The Rams will host the Seahawks in Week 18 in each team’s season finale. The Seahawks will visit the Bears next week and the Seahawks will host the Arizona Cardinals.