Lions (3-4) at Vikings (2-5)
Sunday, 1 ET, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s line: Vikings by 4
Vikings’ keys to victory: Minnesota needs to get WRs Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson heavily involved. When QB Kirk Cousins can find both wideouts, the offense puts up a lot of points. Cousins has to stay out of turnover trouble and make sure the Vikings’ offense can keep up with the highoctane Lions’ passing game. If Cousins hones in on just one of those players, the offense becomes predictable and easy to stop.
Lions’ keys to victory: With QB Matthew Stafford and WRs Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr., Detroit has a menacing offensive attack that should spell trouble for a struggling Minnesota secondary. (Golladay left his Week 8 game with a hip injury.) The Lions could get out to a lead, and they will have to hold on to it by running the ball effectively and getting stops on defense. RB D’Andre Swift needs to help move the chains. If Detroit’s pass rush gets to Cousins, players like S Duron Harmon and CB Jeff Okudah will have ample opportunities for interceptions.
Matchup to watch: Lions DE Everson Griffen vs. Vikings LT Riley Reiff. Once a staple of the Vikings’ defense, Griffen will be going up against Minnesota for the first time since his departure in the offseason. Assuming Griffen slots in at the blindside defensive end spot, he will go up against Reiff.
Who wins? The Lions lost to the Colts in Week 8, but Stafford still threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns. Minnesota has trouble defending the pass. If Stafford can find his receivers, it should be a long day for the home team.
Lions 34-24