For the second time in five weeks, the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions will meet again to cap off their 2015 series. The Vikings are coming off a not-too-impressive win over the Jamaal Charles-less Chiefs, while the Lions finally got in the win column for the year by outlasting the Bears in overtime.
Adrian Peterson ran all over the Lions defense in their first meeting back in Week 2. Can AP deliver the goods again in Motown? Read on below for our preview of this NFC North battle. In the meantime, check out a couple more Week division 8 matchups with our previews of the Seahawks vs. 49ers and Jets vs. Patriots.
[sc:Football ]Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Preview
Where: Ford Field, Detroit
When: Sunday, October 25, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Minnesota Vikings (-3) at Detroit Lions (+3); total 44.5 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: FOX
Betting on the Minnesota Vikings (3-2)
The Minnesota Vikings’ 16-10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs was a bit closer than it had to be, but it was a win nonetheless. With Teddy Bridgewater (17-of-31, 249 passing yards, one TD, two INTs) and Adrian Peterson (26 carries, 60 rushing yards) both struggling, the Vikings defense came through to seal the win.
[sc:NFL240banner ]The Vikes were without Everson Griffen, who was out with an illness, and couldn’t generate much of a pass rush against Kansas City. But Minnesota was still able to shut out the Chiefs (who were playing their first game without Jamaal Charles) through the first three quarters.
The likely return of Griffen along the defensive line will be a big boost to the Vikings, especially against a Lions offensive line that has struggled mightily to protect Matt Stafford this season.
In their first meeting with the Lions this season, the Vikings defense completely shut down the Lions running game – Lions running backs ran for just 18 yards – and pressured Stafford on 38 percent of his 53 dropbacks.
Meanwhile, Adrian Peterson should be primed for a bounce-back performance after he had his fewest rushing yards since Week 1. Peterson was sensational in their Week 2 meeting with the Lions, as he rushed for a season-high 134 yards and added 58 yards receiving.
The Vikings are remarkably just 3-16-1 SU in their last 20 road games, but are 11-9 ATS, including 5-2 ATS in their last seven. They are also 6-2 ATS in their last eight games against Detroit.
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Betting on the Detroit Lions (1-5)
The Detroit Lions were the last NFL team to get a win this season, but they so nearly blew it again. They failed to protect an eight-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, and were taken into overtime by the Chicago Bears. The Lions eventually came through in the extra period, though, 37-34.
The revival of the entire Lions offense was the story of this game. Matthew Stafford threw for 405 huge yards with four touchdowns and an interception. Calvin Johnson had six catches for 166 yards and a touchdown. Even the nonexistent running game came up with a season-high 155 yards.
Granted, this was all against the Chicago Bears, one of the worst defenses in the league. The Lions defense, which has been decimated by injuries, also didn’t fare very well against Jay Cutler and co. and has now surrendered 79 points in the last two games at home.
The Vikings offense is hardly the most explosive, though. While Stafford and the offense haven’t played remarkably well this season – they had scored 17 points or fewer in four straight games prior to Week 6 – the Bears game just might be the catalyst that brings their undoubtedly talented offense to life.
The Lions are 4-1 in their last five home games vs. the Vikings, but are just 2-3 ATS.
Writer’s Prediction
The Lions produce another solid offensive performance, as they find enough firepower to edge the Vikings, 24-21.
[sc:NFL490Banner ]Derrick Henry
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