MINNEAPOLIS — The Detroit Lions lived up to their grit mantra on Sunday afternoon.

The Lions rallied from an early double-digit deficit, and then again after a fumble-6 to storm past the Minnesota Vikings, 31-29 at U.S. Bank Stadium, and into first place in the NFC North, the NFL's best division.

Kicker Jake Bates stayed perfect by booting the winning 44-yard field goal with 14 seconds left. Bates is 10-for-10 this season after signing following a standout season in the spring United Football League for the Michigan Panthers.

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Vikings safety Josh Metellus punched the ball out from David Montgomery in the fourth quarter, leading to a scoop-and-score from 36 yards away by Ivan Pace Jr. and a Vikings 29-28 lead with 5:50 to play after the 2-point conversion was stopped.

The Lions found themselves trailing 10-0 in the first quarter in the first game since losing their best defensive player, Aidan Hutchinson, to a broken leg. But they scored three touchdowns in the second half for a 21-10 halftime lead.

This story will be updated shortly.

Dave Birkett will sign copies of his new book, "Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline" at 7 p.m., Monday, at 24 Seconds Bar & Grill in Berkley, and from 5:30-7 p.m., Tuesday at Stadium Cards & Comics in Ypsilanti. Order your copy here.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jake Bates boots Lions to NFC North lead with 31-29 rally past Vikings