CP20292152
Minnesota Vikings\' Percy Harvin (12) returns the opening kick for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Vikings beat Lions 20-13 as Harvin returns KO for TD and Sherels takes punt back for a score

DETROIT – Percy Harvin returned the opening kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown and Marcus Sherels scored on a punt return early in the third, helping the Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 20-13 Sunday.

NFC North-leading Minnesota (3-1) matched the number of wins it had last season. The Vikings also snapped an 11-game losing streak within the division.

The Lions (1-3) have lost three straight, surpassing the longest skid by last year’s playoff team.

Detroit has struggled with poor coverage on special teams.

The Lions are the first team since at least 1940 to give up a kickoff and a punt return for TDs in consecutive games, according to STATS LLC. They gave up scores on a kickoff and punt in last week’s 44-41 loss in overtime at Tennessee.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles