Lions (0-4) at Vikings (1-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. E.T., US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Vikings by 7 ⁄2
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Lions’ keys to victory: Chicago shut down Detroit by controlling it on defense. The Bears ran the ball and forced the Lions offense into committing too many mistakes. The Lions likely have an easier defensive matchup against the Vikings. Jared Goff routed Minnesota’s defense during the 2018 season when he threw five touchdown passes (and no interceptions) as well as 465 yards against them. He’s more than capable of having a good day against it or letting the run game take over.
Vikings’ keys to victory: Besting a weak Lions defense. Michael Pierce and Dalvin Tomlinson need to plug up holes in the middle, making it hard for Jamaal Williams and other Detroit running backs to find running lanes. Defensive ends Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter need to provide pressure off the edge, getting to Goff and letting Minnesota roll to yet another victory over Detroit. The Vikings offensive line struggled against the Browns defensive line in Week 4. Minnesota’s offensive line gets an easier matchup, giving Kirk Cousins needs more time to throw.
Matchup to watch: Lions TE T.J. Hockenson vs. Vikings S Harrison Smith. Hockenson is establishing himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He’s clearly the No. 1 option for Goff. That’s why Smith, one of the league’s elite safeties, will likely get assigned to Hockenson in coverage. Without Hockenson, the Lions have unimpressive receivers.
Who wins? The Vikings have won seven in a row vs. Detroit. They run the ball and stop the run against Detroit.
Vikings, 21-14