The Detroit Lions reached the NFC Championship Game for the first time in 32 years with a thrilling 31-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.
Tied up at 10-10 at half-time, the Lions came alive in the second half, scoring touchdowns on three-straight possessions to move ahead 31-17 midway through the fourth quarter.
The Bucs continued to battle and made it a one score game again when Baker Mayfield found Mike Evans in the end zone with four minutes and 37 seconds left, though they were unsuccessful with a two-point conversion attempt.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The game isn’t done yet! Mike Evans’ touchdown makes it a one-possession game!
Tampa would get one final shot to tie things up, getting the ball back at their own 10-yard line with two minutes to go, but on their second play from scrimmage Mayfield was intercepted for the second time in the game to clinch victory for the Lions.
Mayfield finished 26-of-41 for 349 yards, three touchdowns and those two picks, while Lions QB Jared Goff was 30-of-43 for 287 yards and two TDs.
More to follow…
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs turns on the afterburners for a 31-yard touchdown!
Stats leaders:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Passing: Baker Mayfield, 26/41, 349 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
- Rushing: Rachaad White, 9 carries, 55 yards
- Receiving: Mike Evans, 8 catches, 147 yards, 1 TD
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
A stunning Mike Evans catch helped set up the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ first touchdown of the game against the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
- Passing: Jared Goff, 30/43, 287 yards, 2 TDs
- Rushing: Jahmyr Gibbs, 9 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving: Amon-Ra St. Brown, 8 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD
Score summary
What’s next?
The Lions travel to San Francisco next Sunday to take on the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, with the winner booking a place at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on February 11.