Lions win overtime stunner, send Vikings reeling

MINNEAPOLIS – Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions just keep hanging around.

They did it again here Sunday, rallying to tie to score as regulation ended and then carving up a talented Minnesota Vikings defense on third down in overtime, with Golden Tate flipping into the end zone for a 28-yard touchdown that gave them a 22-16 triumph.

Often forgotten in the NFC North race, the Lions (5-4) are now just a half-game back of the division lead after handing the Vikings (5-3) their third consecutive loss.

Minnesota didn’t lead until Rhett Ellison’s 1-yard touchdown run put them ahead 16-13 with 23 seconds left in regulation. But that was enough time for Stafford to complete two passes – an 8-yarder to Tate at the sideline, then a 27-yarder to Andre Roberts over the middle against the Vikings’ prevent defense – and get Matt Prater in position for a tying 58-yard field goal.

Prater nailed it, the Lions won the coin toss and Stafford did it again, completing five of six passes in the extra period, three of them on third downs. That included the winner on third-and-8 to Tate, who was doubled, but broke star safety Harrison Smith’s tackle and zipped up the left sideline.

The Vikings’ 5-0 start is a distant memory now, and it’s not just the Green Bay Packers that have closed the gap.

Follow Tom Pelissero on Twitter @TomPelissero.

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