5 biggest takeaways from the Vikings win over the Lions in Week 17

Minnesota got some late Christmas gifts

It’s amazing how many of the games during the 2020 NFL season saw the Vikings be on the receiving end of terrible calls this season. Harrison Smith‘s ejection, missing hits to the head of Kirk Cousins, and phantom pass interference penalties all hindered the team this year.

The shoe was on the other foot in Week 17 though. The bad calls that usually go against Minnesota were instead solely placed on the Lions and the officiating could have made a huge impact on the outcome of the game.

A sack of Cousins was a completely innocent play midway through the contest. Detroit defender Tracy Walker may have landed on the Vikings quarterback, but he seemed to try his best not to hurt Cousins with the impact of his body.

Still, he was penalized for roughing the passer which gave Minnesota another set of downs at the goal line and they eventually cashed in.

But that wasn’t even the most egregious call the day against the Lions. It was a deep pass to Marvin Jones Jr. that saw him catch the ball in the end zone while going to the ground. The ball shifted when he hit the turf, but was still ruled a touchdown on the field. After review, it was overturned despite any clear evidence of the ball hitting the ground.

That’s two touchdowns that got some help from the zebras on Sunday and likely cost Detroit a win.