Justin Jefferson goes for season-high 144 yards, Vikings beat Seahawks 27-24

It took until the last minute, but the Vikings have kept pace with the Lions in the NFC North.

Minnesota defeated Seattle 27-24 on Sunday afternoon, making the Vikings 13-2 on the season.

The two teams went back and forth in the final quarter, with Seattle taking a 24-20 lead with 4:21 left in the contest on Geno Smith’s 4-yard touchdown to tight end AJ Barner.

But Minnesota needed only 30 seconds to regain the lead for good, as Sam Darnold connected with receiver Justin Jefferson deep down the left sideline for a 39-yard touchdown.

Jefferson finished the contest with 10 catches for a season-high 144 yards with two TDs.

Seattle had two more chances, but couldn’t tie the game. Faced with no great options, head coach Mike Macdonald elected to try a 60-yard field goal on fourth-and-15 from the Minnesota 42. But Jason Myers’ try fell short, despite being on target.

After the Seahawks recorded a three-and-out on the ensuing drive, the Seahawks got the ball back with 55 seconds left on their own 17-yard line. But with a false start pushing Seattle 5-yards back, Smith effectively ended the game with his second interception of the day. Theo Jackson picked off the pass intended for DK Metcalf.

Smith finished 31-of-43 passing for 314 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Jaxon Smith-Njigba led with eight catches for 95 yards with a TD.

Darnold was 22-of-35 for 246 yards with three touchdowns and no picks. Jordan Addison caught five passes for 35 yards with a touchdown.

Now at 13-2, the Vikings have kept pace with the 13-2 Lions with just two weeks left. Minnesota faces Green Bay at home next week before taking on Detroit in Week 18.

At 8-7, it’s a costly loss for the Seahawks, who have now fallen a game behind the Rams in the NFC West. Seattle will be on the road to face Chicago on Thursday night in Week 17.