What: (10-2) Minnesota Vikings at (5-7) Detroit Lions
When: Sunday, December 11th at 1:00 PM
Where: Ford Field in Detroit, MI
Spread: Lions -2
Over/Under: 51.5
Weather: Dome
TV: FOX
What’s At Stake: The Lions are on the playoff prowl. Yes, THOSE Detroit Lions. At 5-7, they are in the hunt and a victory against the Vikings would ramp up the excitement in the Motor City.
For the Vikings, a win will clinch the division and the NFL’s first playoff spot.
The Vikings come in 11th in points scored (24.1) and 21st in points allowed (23.3). The Lions are 6th in points scored (26.3) and 32nd in points allowed (27.0)
The key for the Lions will be to get more pressure on Kirk Cousins and force him to make quick decisions. In the first meeting, Cousins was only sacked one time and he threw for 260 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Ford Field crowd will be loud. If Detroit can force some turnovers and capitalize, it’ll stay loud.
If the Vikings offensive line can protect, Kirk “early time slot” Cousins will have himself a day. Maybe the Lions can petition the league to flex into a primetime slot? I kid, but the numbers don’t. Kirk Cousins is a monster in early games so stopping him will be the highest priority.
Offensively, Detroit will need to continue to play consistently. The return of Jameson Williams should help create space for the outside receivers. Utilize Swift in the screen game to negate the pass rush. The Lions will score points, will it be enough?
Prediction: My gut tells me Minnesota wins this game and clinches the division. However, I just had some Honolulu blue kool-aid and I’m a little buzzed off of it. Give me Detroit 30 Minnesota 28
Around The League
Power Rankings
Top 5
1. Philadelphia Eagles: This is difficult for me because I can’t stand the fanbase, but the team is solid. Couldn’t deny it if I wanted to. The addition of AJ Brown has helped Jalen Hurts immensely. They have a big game coming on Christmas Eve.
2. Dallas Cowboys: Is there a hotter team offensively right now? This team can beat anyone when they play to their potential. However, they have a tendency to soften when times are good. Can they keep it up?
3. Kansas City Chiefs: If you have Patrick Mahomes, you have a chance to win. Can the defense help him out a little?
4. Buffalo Bills: The loss of Von Miller will be felt. Do they have enough defensively to overcome?
5. San Francisco 49ers: I wanted to drop them out of the top 5 but that defense is scary. Can Brock Purdy go from Mr. Irrelevant to playoff QB?
Bottom 5
28. Los Angeles Rams: No Stafford. No Donald. No chance. Lions fans are loving it.
29. Indianapolis Colts: Where is Andrew Luck when you need him?
30. Denver Broncos: Russell Wilson has looked awful. The weapons are there.
31. Chicago Bears: Justin Fields is going to be good. Very good, even. Now build around him.
32. Houston Texans: Is there a franchise in worse shape?
Lions Fans Rooting Guide
Sunday 1 PM Games
Lions Over Vikings: Unless you want the Lions to tank for a better draft pick this one should be pretty clear. If the Lions can run the table they will almost certainly make the playoffs. This game might be the most difficult of the entire stretch.
Eagles Over Giants: The Giants currently sit in the 6th seed in the NFC at 7-4-1. A loss here would be a huge help to the Lions playoff chances.
Sunday 4 PM Games
Panthers Over Seahawks: The Seahawks sit in the 7th seed in the NFC at 7-5. Seattle is only 2 games up on Detroit but they hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Lions. An upset win by Carolina here would be massive for the Lions playoff hopes.