On a cold Sunday night at Ford Field, the Detroit Lions didn’t just win—they resurrected their season. With Jahmyr Gibbs bursting through the line for a 69-yard touchdown on the very first play of overtime, Detroit stunned the New York Giants 34-27 on Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season, Detroit, Michigan. The win wasn’t just a comeback—it was a declaration. After a 16-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles the week before, the Lions were staring at a two-game skid for the first time since 2022. Now, they’re back in the thick of the NFC North race at 7-4.
How Gibbs Carried the Lions
Let’s be clear: this game belonged to one man. Jahmyr Gibbs didn’t just play—he rewrote the record books. His 219 rushing yards were the third-highest single-game total in Detroit Lions franchise history, trailing only Barry Sanders’ 237 in 1997 and 228 in 1994. But it wasn’t just the ground game. He added 11 catches for 45 yards and a receiving touchdown. That’s 264 yards from scrimmage. Three total touchdowns. And the game-winner on the first snap of overtime—a run so explosive, it left three Giants defenders grasping at air.
Earlier in the fourth quarter, Gibbs broke loose for a 49-yard scamper that tied the game at 27-27. The crowd roared. The Giants’ defense, already fatigued from 71 offensive snaps, had no answer. And when the Lions got the ball first in OT, head coach Dan Campbell didn’t hesitate. “We knew where the ball was going,” Campbell said afterward. “Jahmyr’s got that kind of juice—you can’t teach it.”
The Giants’ Heartbreak Continues
For the New York Giants, it was another gut punch. At 2-10, they’re now tied for the worst record in the NFL. But the real story is how they’re losing. This was their fifth loss this season after leading by at least 10 points in the fourth quarter—the most in NFL history since at least 1970. Just last month, they blew a 25-7 lead against Denver with six minutes left. On Sunday, they led 27-17 with 9:17 remaining. Then came the collapse.
Quarterback Casey Thompson threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns, but his two interceptions—both in the final 10 minutes—were devastating. And when the Giants’ defense couldn’t stop Gibbs on third-and-8 in overtime, the game was over. “We had it,” said Giants head coach Brian Daboll. “We just didn’t finish. That’s on us.”
Injuries and Iron Man Performances
The Lions entered this game battered. Starting left tackle Taylor Decker was out. Right guard Frank Ragnow was questionable. And with cornerback Terrion Arnold (concussion) and safety Kerby Joseph (knee) sidelined, the secondary was patched together. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond left in the third quarter with an ankle injury, leaving the Lions with just three healthy receivers at times.
And yet, the offense didn’t just survive—it thrived. Gibbs carried the ball 28 times. He caught 11 passes. He blocked on screens. He even took a direct snap on a trick play. His 264 yards were the most by any NFL player since Week 10, and the first 250-yard all-purpose game by a Lion since Calvin Johnson in 2013.
Why This Win Matters
Before this game, the Lions were half a game behind the Green Bay Packers and a full game back of the Chicago Bears in the NFC North. A loss here would’ve made their playoff path nearly impossible. Now, they’re tied with the Packers at 7-4, and only one game behind the Bears. The schedule doesn’t get easier—they host Green Bay on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, in what could be a de facto division title decider.
But more than standings, this win was about belief. The Lions hadn’t won a game after trailing by double digits since Week 4. Now they’ve done it twice in three weeks. “It’s not about talent,” said linebacker Jeffrey Simmons. “It’s about who wants it more. Tonight, we did.”
What’s Next?
The Lions’ next challenge? A Thanksgiving showdown with the Packers—a rivalry that’s heated up since Aaron Rodgers’ departure and Jordan Love’s emergence. If Detroit wins, they’ll control their own destiny. If they lose? They’ll need help from multiple teams to make the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Giants head to New England on December 1, facing a Patriots team that’s been surprisingly resilient under new head coach Jerod Mayo. With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft all but secured, New York’s focus is shifting to rebuilding—but not before they have to face another NFC North team in Week 13: the Minnesota Vikings.
Behind the Numbers
- Jahmyr Gibbs’ 219 rushing yards are the third-highest in Lions history
- Giants have lost five games after leading by 18+ points in the fourth quarter this season—NFL record
- Lions had scored just 9 points in their previous game against Philadelphia
- Ford Field crowd of 65,302 was the loudest of the season, per NFL Sound Tracker data
- Gibbs’ 69-yard OT TD was the longest game-winning play in Lions history
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win impact the Lions’ playoff chances?
The win ties the Lions with the Packers at 7-4 and puts them within one game of the Bears, keeping them firmly in the NFC North race. With three division games left—including two against Green Bay—they now control their own fate. A win over the Packers on Thanksgiving would give them a two-game lead in the division with just three games remaining.
Why is Jahmyr Gibbs’ performance so historic?
Gibbs’ 264 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns are the most by a Lions player since 2011. His 219 rushing yards rank third all-time in franchise history, behind only Barry Sanders’ two 200+ yard games. No Lions back has ever had 200+ rushing yards and 10+ receptions in the same game. He’s the first NFL player since Christian McCaffrey in 2023 to do so.
What’s the significance of the Giants’ fourth-quarter collapses?
The Giants have now lost five games after leading by 18+ points in the fourth quarter—more than any team since at least 1970. This includes a 25-7 lead over the Broncos in Week 8 that turned into a 31-25 loss. The pattern suggests a mental breakdown under pressure, not just a talent issue. Their 2-10 record is the worst in the NFL, and they’re on pace for the worst win percentage since the 2017 Browns.
How did the Lions’ injuries affect the game?
Detroit was without three key starters: Terrion Arnold (CB), Kerby Joseph (S), and Kalif Raymond (WR/KR). The offensive line had three backups in rotation, and the secondary was forced into nickel packages early. Gibbs’ ability to pick up blitzes and make yards after contact was critical. Without him, the Lions likely lose—especially given their 12 penalties and three turnovers.
Why was this game so surprising to oddsmakers?
Despite the Lions scoring just 9 points the week before and being without key offensive linemen, the over/under was set at 50 points. That reflected the Giants’ high-powered offense and the Lions’ reputation for explosive plays. But the game only hit 61 total points—mostly because of Gibbs’ big plays, not traditional scoring drives. The line was wrong because it underestimated how much Detroit would lean on one player.
What does this mean for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Giants’ loss all but locks them into the No. 1 overall pick, unless they win their final six games—which is nearly impossible. Meanwhile, the Lions’ win reduces their chances of landing a top-5 pick, which was a concern after their 1-5 start. Now, they’re focused on the playoffs, not draft positioning. That’s a complete 180 from where they were two weeks ago.