The Detroit Lions faced the risk of dropping to 4-2 and losing critical ground to the unbeaten Vikings.

With five minutes left in the game and Minnesota leading 29-28, the Lions found themselves in a tough spot: fourth-and-20 at their own 20-yard line.

Even head coach Dan Campbell opted against trying to convert in that situation.

Punter Jack Fox received the snap with 4:25 remaining and the Lions managed to avoid further mistakes.

He executed a 63-yard punt, leaving Brandon Powell with only a 27-yard return for the Vikings at 4:16. Minnesota’s Aaron Jones ran twice for 6 yards, but Sam Darnold’s pass to Justin Jefferson fell incomplete, resulting in a three-and-out for the Vikings.

Kalif Raymond returned Minnesota’s subsequent punt to the Lions’ 30-yard line with 2:41 left.

From there, Detroit took control of the game, using up almost the entire clock before Jake Bates kicked a 44-yard field goal, clinching a 31-29 victory.

“That was a total team effort when we needed it most,” Campbell noted on Monday. “Fox’s 63-yard punt, excellent coverage, the defense forcing a three-and-out, and the offense setting up Jake for the winning kick all came together.”

Campbell emphasized that all three coordinators had effective game plans, which the players executed successfully.

After securing two home playoff wins last season—the first in franchise history—he is determined to keep the Lions at Ford Field through the Super Bowl.

To do so, the team must navigate what has become the toughest division in football.

“It’s important to outline your end-of-season goals and work backward from there,” Campbell explained.

“Winning your division is the starting point. Everything should run through Detroit, and to achieve that, you need to win your divisional games to ensure home-field advantage in the playoffs.”