DETROIT - Matthew Stafford led another crucial drive late in the fourth quarter, and Matt Prater's kicking again helped Detroit to a tight victory against Minnesota.
For the second time this month, the Lions edged the Vikings. This time, they didn't need overtime.
Prater's 40-yard field goal on the final play gave Detroit a 16-13 victory Thursday, moving the Lions a game ahead of Minnesota in the NFC North. Darius Slay intercepted Sam Bradford's pass with 30 seconds remaining to set up the winning kick.
On Nov. 6 at Minnesota, Stafford led the Lions into range for Prater's 58-yard field at the end of regulation, and Detroit went on to win 22-16 in overtime. Now the Lions (7-4) have sole possession of first place after Thursday's victory.
"Obviously, we're in decent position, but they don't hand out trophies and things of that nature after a few wins like we've had," Detroit coach Jim Caldwell said. "But we're happy that we were able to find a way to pull them out, that's for sure."
The Vikings (6-5) were facing third down in the final minute when Slay stepped up in coverage and intercepted Bradford. His return gave the Lions the ball at the Minnesota 20, and although there was some initial question about whether Slay fumbled at the end of the play, the call was upheld. Detroit ran the clock down, and Prater's kick won it.
The Vikings led 13-10 and had the Lions pinned back at their own 2 with 5:02 remaining, but Stafford made a 29-yard pass to Anquan Boldin on a crucial third down, and Detroit was able to work its way into position for Prater's 48-yard field goal that tied it with 1:45 to play.
The Lions have won six of their last seven, and Minnesota has dropped five of six since starting the season 5-0. Now the Vikings will have to rally to win a division that once looked like theirs for the taking.