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

The Minnesota Vikings edged the Seattle Seahawks 27-24 in a thriller on Sunday to keep pace in the race for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, in a crucial game for both teams’ playoff fates.

Minnesota took the lead with an opening touchdown and only fell behind when it allowed a Seahawks touchdown 4:21 into the fourth quarter. But the Vikings answered with a 70-yard touchdown drive, regaining the lead and securing the victory, increasing the score to 13-2.

Hectic final minutes

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

But Justin Jefferson made sure the Vikings wouldn’t leave Seattle without a win. On first-and-10 at the Seattle 39 with 3:58 remaining, Jefferson broke free along the left sideline over the top of the Seattle secondary. He then adjusted his route and pivoted in the air to catch a subdued ball by 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 and 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 failed.

The Seahawks then had one last chance after forcing a Vikings punt with 1:01 left. But Smith threw an interception to Theo Jackson, giving the Vikings the win.

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

How the result affects the playoff fates of the Vikings and Seahawks

With the win, the Vikings keep pace with the best record in the NFC with the Detroit Lions, who also improved to 13-2 with a win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. The win sets up a Week 18 clash 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 with a loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, one game behind the Vikings and Lions. The Vikings will host the Green Bay Packers in Week 17. The Lions will visit the San Francisco 49ers. Minnesota will host its Week 18 game against the Lions.

Unless the Eagles manage to achieve the best record in the NFC, the winner of the NFC North will secure first place, which comes with a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The loser would be relegated to a wild card spot and an away game in the first round of the playoffs.

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