Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions: Game Info, Preview and Prediction
After five games, the Minnesota Vikings are still a big question mark. At 3-2, they’re currently in the 6th spot in the NFC playoff picture. So, yes, if the season ended today, the Vikings would be in the playoffs. Fantastic.
However, the combined record of the three teams the Vikings have beaten is 4-14. They haven’t exactly proven themselves as a playoff team yet. Maybe I’m being a pessimist, maybe I’m not. Regardless, I’m not ready to jump to conclusions about this team yet. And I probably won’t be for awhile.
This week, the Vikings get another rather weak opponent in the Detroit Lions, who currently sit at 1-5 and in last place in the NFC North. Detroit earned it’s first win of the season last week against the Chicago Bears at home in dramatic fashion by a score of 37-34 in overtime.
More from Minnesota Vikings
- Kyle Rudolph signing gives stability to Minnesota Vikings offense
- Kirk Cousins: More wins with fewer turnovers
- Minnesota Vikings Kyle Rudolph Conundrum
- Minnesota Vikings: how the Vikings can upset the Patriots
- Minnesota Vikings: Xavier Rhodes could be difference-maker versus Lions
On paper, this is a game the Vikings should win. They’re clearly better than Detroit in all three phases of the game. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean I think this will be a cakewalk for the Vikings. As this article at The Viking Age points out, the Vikings have struggled mightily on the road against division opponents in recent years. That awful road play in recent seasons is the main reason I’m hesitating on predicting a score for this game.
As I write this article, I have still not yet made up my mind as to who I think will win this game. By the end, I’ll force myself to put something down. Anyway, on with the Game Info and Preview.
Game Info
Location: Ford Field — Detroit, MI
Time: 12:00 CST
TV: FOX, NFL RedZone (Announcers: Chris Myers, Ronde Barber, Jennifer Hale)
Standings: Vikings (3-2, 2nd in NFC North), Lions (1-5, 4th in NFC North)
Preview
This is the part of the article in which I lay out some keys to victory for the Vikings. Part of me says to just do exactly what the Vikings did at TCF Bank Stadium in Week 2 against this same team. Defensively, put relentless pressure on Matthew Stafford and force the Lions into turnovers that way. Offensively, feed that guy wearing number 28 and use that to open up other things.
This time around, though, there will be some differences. First of all, offensively, the Vikings have been blessed with the emergence of rookie wideout Stefon Diggs. In the past two games, Diggs has caught 13 passes for 216 yards and has done so with some very precise route running. Diggs now gives Teddy Bridgewater another viable receiving weapon besides Mike Wallace. Between Wallace and Diggs, Bridgewater now has two guys that he appears to have solid chemistry with.
It’ll be important for Bridgewater to get going early, especially if the ground game limps along like it did last week against the Chiefs. Hoofta, that was brutal. Whether it was the offensive line getting pushed back five yards on every play (mostly Brandon Fusco, but others were responsible at times as well) or it was Adrian Peterson dancing around like he’s barefoot on a hot beach, the running game was terrible. Something will have to change there.
Live Feed
The Viking Age
Defensively, the Vikings have been excellent this season. Opposing quarterbacks have been feeling the heat all season long, especially from Everson Griffen (who appears good to go this week) and Sharrif Floyd (who might not be good to go this week). These two guys have led the pass rush for the Vikings all season, and it’s usually their presence that opens opportunities for other players to get in on the quarterback as well.
A key player for the Vikings defense to keep in check this Sunday will be Golden Tate. Since Xavier Rhodes should be able to hold his own against Calvin Johnson (unless he gets a bunch of penalties, which is possible I guess), Tate will likely be Stafford’s go-to target this week. If he’s split out wide, Terence Newman will likely be responsible for him, and Newman hasn’t been spectacular this season. However, Captain Munnerlyn has been excellent as the slot/nickel cornerback this season, and if Tate lines up in the slot Munnerlyn should be able to contain him there. If I’m the Lions, I’d line up Tate on the outside all game and let him go at Newman. Hopefully, the Lions coaching staff doesn’t take my advice.
Overall, if the Vikings continue to do what they have been doing this season, they should have a fine day against Detroit. Matthew Stafford is the type of quarterback that gets rattled easily by pressure, as he did in the Week 2 contest in Minneapolis. For the Lions to put up big points against the Vikings, something very serious would have to go wrong for the Vikings. I don’t anticipate it.
Prediction
Alright, FINE, I’ll make a prediction. Eeny-meeny-miny-mo — just kidding. After reviewing my thoughts, I’ve come to a decision on a prediction, which I know you’re all DYING to hear, or read, or whatever.
Vikings 20, Lions 17
I caved. My Vikings fandom did me in.
Even though I predicted a Vikings win, it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if the Lions pulled this one off. Yeah, my only reasoning is the past road performance of the Vikings. It scares me.
Anyway, leave your predictions, agreements, disagreements, etc. in the comments below. As always, check back with us after the game on Sunday for a recap of the game.
More from Sporting Sota
- Minnesota Twins bullpen will be their downfall
- Top 5 Minnesota Twins Pitching Prospects
- Kyle Rudolph signing gives stability to Minnesota Vikings offense
- Jake Odorizzi’s emergence fueling Twins starting staff
- Former Minnesota Twins player David Ortiz shot
Sporting Sota is your home for content and analysis on all your favorite Minnesota Sports teams.