Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings Preview
The Detroit Lions (4-1) will head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings (5-0) this Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT, with the game set to air on Fox. Current betting odds favor the Vikings by 1.5 points.
In the battle against the spread this season, the Lions hold a record of 4-1 while the Vikings are an impressive 5-0. Historically, the Vikings lead the series with a record of 80-43-2. Their last face-off saw the Lions securing a 30-20 victory over the Vikings in Detroit on January 7, 2024.
Last week, the Lions delivered a dominant performance against the Cowboys, winning 47-9, while the Vikings enjoyed their bye after a 23-17 win against the Jets on October 6.
Analyzing the two teams, the Lions boast a formidable offense, ranking third overall, fourth in rushing, and fourth in passing while leading the league in scoring. Defensively, they rank thirteenth overall, with particularly strong performances against the run (ranked 3rd), but have struggled against the pass (27th) and are eighth in scoring defense.
On the other hand, the Vikings’ offense ranks 17th overall, with a 20th rank in rushing and 19th in passing, but they excel in scoring, sitting at fifth. Their defensive stats show them ranked 14th overall with a second-place ranking against the rush. However, they have had issues in pass defense, where they are ranked 30th, while their scoring defense stands at third.
One player of particular interest for the Lions is defensive tackle Alim McNeill. Following the unfortunate injury of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who is set to miss the remainder of the season due to a broken leg, McNeill’s performance will be crucial. He recently matched a personal best with two sacks against the Cowboys, and he just signed a significant four-year, $97 million contract extension.
For the Vikings, outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard is a standout player. He has recorded four sacks over five games but his overall impact extends beyond these figures, as he has consistently applied pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Lions have one of the league’s top offensive lines, providing a stiff challenge for Greenard and his fellow edge rushers, Andrew Van Ginkel, Patrick Jones II, and Dallas Turner to reach quarterback Jared Goff.
A key matchup to watch will be between Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The Lions have scored over 40 points in consecutive games for the first time since 1962, showcasing the effectiveness of Johnson’s strategies. Meanwhile, Flores’s aggressive and unpredictable schemes have caused headaches for every offense they’ve faced, as the Vikings lead the league in interception rate and are eighth in sack percentage.
In terms of injuries, the Lions face significant setbacks with Hutchinson’s injury and backup defensive tackle Kyle Peko also sustaining a serious pectoral injury against the Cowboys, raising concerns about depth on the defensive line. Former Viking Marcus Davenport is almost certainly out for the year with a triceps injury. However, Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play.
The Vikings are also dealing with injuries, including linebacker Blake Cashman, who has turf toe and is questionable for the matchup. Tight end T.J. Hockenson, who is recovering from an ACL and MCL tear, has resumed practicing but is not expected to feature in the game. Running back Aaron Jones, who sustained a hamstring injury early in a previous matchup, may be rested with another game against the Rams on the horizon.
Historical stats show that the Lions have been on a hot streak against the Vikings, winning three consecutive games and four of the last five. This matchup marks their fourth three-game winning streak in the lengthy history between the teams. The Vikings, however, have performed well at home, winning five of eight games against the Lions since the opening of U.S. Bank Stadium in 2016.
Statistically, the Lions are defending their first division title since 1993 and have started the season 4-1 for the second consecutive year, marking a notable improvement. Their recent victory over Dallas was their largest win margin since defeating Kansas City by 45 points in 2011 and the biggest road win since a 40-point victory against Green Bay in 1970.
Quarterback Jared Goff has been historic in his performance, becoming one of only two players, alongside Drew Brees, to achieve a passer rating exceeding 150 in two consecutive games with a minimum of 15 attempts. Goff is also noted for completing at least 80% of his passes with a passer rating of over 140 during any three-game stretch since the 1970 merger.
WR Jameson Williams has made a remarkable impact by scoring his first six touchdowns from receptions over 30 yards, and defensive back Kerby Joseph has distinguished himself with four interceptions in the initial five games of the season, a feat last accomplished by a Lions player in 1981.
The Vikings stand as the only undefeated team in the NFC and aim to maintain their momentum, having started 5-0 for the first time since 2016. Coach Kevin O’Connell currently holds the highest winning percentage in Vikings history, while WR Justin Jefferson has had impressive performances against the Lions, contributing substantially to his team’s success.
In fantasy football, Lions kicker Jake Bates made quite an impression, scoring 17 points against the Cowboys, marking the team’s highest single-game points by a kicker since 1999. As a rookie, Bates boasts impressive statistics, having converted all his field goal attempts so far this season.