Minnesota @ Detroit preview
Ford Field
Last Meeting ( Dec 23, 2018 ) Minnesota 27, Detroit 9
The Detroit Lions let a key divisional win slip away last week, but they get another shot when they host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Both teams are trying to keep pace with NFC North-leading Green Bay.
The Lions had a chance to gain ground on the Packers on Monday night, but a couple of controversial hands-to-the-face calls against Trey Flowers helped Green Bay escape with a 23-22 win. “I think if you go through a game and you’re relying on the officials to tell you whether or not you won, I don’t really think you’re going to turn out in a favorable manner more times than not,” Detroit coach Matt Patricia told reporters. The Vikings have won back-to-back games for the first time this season after posting an impressive 38-20 win over Philadelphia last week. Minnesota has won three straight meetings with the Lions.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Vikings -2. O/U: 43.5
ABOUT THE VIKINGS (4-2): Minnesota has been sound all around, ranking fifth in the NFL in total defense and 11th in total offense. Dalvin Cook (583 yards, six touchdowns) has powered the league’s third-ranked ground attack, but quarterback Kirk Cousins had a huge performance against the Eagles, going 22-of-29 for 333 yards and four touchdowns. The Vikings gave up a season-high 400 total yards versus Philadelphia but forced three turnovers, giving them 10 takeaways this season.
ABOUT THE LIONS (2-2-1): Detroit has been one of the league’s most interesting teams as all five of its games have been decided by four points or fewer, including a 27-27 tie at Arizona in Week 1. The Lions’ offense is steady, if unspectacular, as veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford leads a capable passing attack, but the ground game has been too inconsistent with Kerryon Johnson averaging just 3.3 yards per carry. Detroit’s defense has been bailed out by turnovers - the team ranks 29th in total defense but 18th in scoring defense thanks to 11 takeaways.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Stafford needs 87 to become the fastest player to 40,000 passing yards in NFL history (147 games).
2. Minnesota WR Adam Thielen has recorded at least six receptions and a touchdown in back-to-back contests.
3. Vikings DE Everson Griffen has registered a sack in four straight games against Detroit.
PREDICTION: Vikings 24, Lions 20