VIKINGS PAD DIVISION LEAD

DETROIT • Case Keenum threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score all in the first half to give the Minnesota Vikings a double- digit lead and they went on to beat the Detroit Lions 30-23 Thursday.

The Vikings ( 9- 2) took a huge step toward winning the NFC North, taking a three- game lead over the second- place Lions. Detroit (6-5) made mistakes in every phase of the game and Minnesota took advantage.

Keenum was 21 of 30 for 282 yards with both TD passes to Kyle Rudolph that gave the Vikings a 20-3 lead late in the second quarter.

The Lions rallied to pull within four points early in the fourth quarter on Matthew Stafford’s second TD pass to Marvin Jones.

Xavier Rhodes ended Detroit’s comeback hopes with an interception at the Detroit 37 late in the game.

Detroit’s Darius Slay blocked a field goal with 1:15 left and teammate Nevin Lawson recovered the ball and returned it 77 yards for an apparent TD, but it was negated by Slay being offside.

Also Thursday, Philip Rivers threw for 434 yards and three touchdowns in his first Thanksgiving game in his 14th season and the San Diego Chargers beat the fading Dallas Cowboys 28- 6.

Desmond King returned an interception 90 yards for the punctuating touchdown as the Chargers ( 5- 6) moved within 11/2 games of AFC West- leading Kansas City after starting 0- 4 while the Chiefs won their first five.

The defending NFC East champion Cowboys ( 5- 6) lost their third straight by at least 20 points, all without star running back Ezekiel Elliott, in a damaging defeat for their fading playoff hopes.

The Washington Redskins and New York Giants played Thursday night.