Vikings vs. Lions: Can the Vikings Play Spoiler?

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Coming off of two wins at home, the Minnesota Vikings have one of their biggest challenges of the year on Sunday. They square off against a 9-4 Detroit Lions team that is also coming off two straight home victories, both by the final of 34-17.

The Lions have only lost one game at home this year and that was a head scratcher against the Bills. Bottom line, they’re tough to slow down at Ford Field. When the Detroit faithful gets into the game, their defensive line is even more effective than usual. Of their 35 sacks on the season, 8 of them came at Minnesota in week 6.

For that reason, the Vikings’ offensive line will have to play its best game of the year on Sunday to earn a victory. If Teddy Bridgewater has time, there are plays to be made against this secondary, which has allowed a touchdown in every game this season but one. Can you guess which one? Yep, week six against the Vikings.

One trick to slowing down the pass rush will be running the ball effectively. Head Coach Mike Zimmer knows some changes might have to be made for the Vikings rushing attack to have success.

“I think Matt probably had a few too many carries (last week),” Zimmer said. “We’d like to get Ben a few more carries this week as well, and so we’ll see. Sometimes you just get in the flow of games and things happen. Unless you pre-script it and say, ‘This series, this series.’ Sometimes that’s just the way it goes, but Matt probably got a few too many and those other guys probably got a few too less.”

Based on what we’ve seen from the Vikings’ defense this year, they should hold their own. However, we’ve seen them struggle when the offense puts them in bad situations. Just like last week, I want to see the Vikings move the ball down the field. It doesn’t always have to result in points, but putting the defense on a short field against Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and Reggie Bush is a death sentence. We’ve seen offensive improvement in the last couple of games. Now, let’s see that trend continue against a MUCH better opponent.

Prediction: The Vikings are 7.5 point underdogs in this one for a reason. They’re already out of the playoff race and have some obvious offensive issues. Not to mention they are facing a confident Lions team that needs this game badly to solidify their playoff picture. The Vikings can pull out the upset if they are able to grab a few turnovers and make some big plays. However, I’ve got the Lions. Though I would take the under for the spread, as I have the final score 31-24 Lions. That said, if the Vikings can pull off the upset, it would be the biggest victory in Mike Zimmer’s young head coaching career. Skol!

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets tight end

(85) watches as Minnesota Vikings linebacker

(52) and linebacker

(50) break up a pass attempt in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports