3 winners (and 2 losers) from the Vikings in Week 7 loss to the Lions

The Minnesota Vikings suffered their first loss of the 2024 NFL season in Week 7. The Detroit Lions took the lead in the final minute of the game and defeated the purple and gold by a final score of 29-31.

With the loss, the Vikings moved into second place in the NFC North and the Kansas City Chiefs became the only undefeated team in the league. Minnesota must turn things around quickly since they will face the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football.

3 winners (and 2 losers) from the Vikings in Week 7 loss to the Lions

Before looking too far ahead to Week 8, let's take a look at five players for the Minnesota Vikings who had a major impact on the outcome of the game.

Vikings winner No. 1: Ivan Pace, Jr., linebacker

The highlight play from Ivan Pace on Sunday came in the form of a recovered fumble that was returned for 36 yards and a score. Despite Blake Cashman being out for this game, Minnesota's other interior linebacker thrived in this big-time contest.

Pace led all Vikings defenders in tackles with 10 combined takedowns. But that wasn't all since he also had success as a blitzer, getting one of the four sacks on Detroit quarterback Jared Goff in the contest.

Vikings loser No. 1: Ty Chandler, running back

Things didn't quite go how Ty Chandler likely hoped against the Detroit Lions. It looked like he would have a big role in the offense leading up to this game, but the return of Aaron Jones and Minnesota trading for Cam Akers from the Texans limited his opportunities.

Chandler's opportunities weren't all great either. He struggled mightily as a pass blocker against a stout Lions defense, didn't register a reception from Sam Darnold, and only managed to gain four yards on two rushing attempts.

Vikings winner No. 2: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver

Minnesota Vikings fans know that Justin Jefferson is great, but he still manages to drop our jaws with a spectacular catch at least once a game. The star receiver has a history of big games against the Lions and once again led the team in receiving yards.

Targeted eight times, Jefferson caught seven passes for 81 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. The Vikings also tried one trick play to get him a pass attempt but it didn't go as planned and he was forced to settle for a three-yard run.

Vikings loser No. 2: Stephon Gilmore, cornerback

It hurts to label Stephon Gilmore as a loser since he is one of the best run-stopping cornerbacks in the league this season but the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year did not have his best game against an aggressive Lions offense.

The veteran defender lost his footing on Goff's touchdown pass to Kalif Raymond. His fall resulted in a 21-yard touchdown. Plus, Gilmore failed to register a single pass defense in a game where Jared Goff only had three incomplete passes.

Vikings winner No. 3: Aaron Jones, running back

After leaving the game against the New York Jets in Week 5 with an injury and not returning, the status of running back Aaron Jones was up in the air until late in the week. Thankfully, Minnesota's starting running back was good to go and made a huge impact.

Jones set the tone early in the game with a 34-yard rushing touchdown and finished the day with 93 yards on the ground in 14 carries. He was a part of the passing attack too, catching all three passes thrown his way for 23 yards.

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