The Detroit Lions travel to Minnesota today with the opportunity to win their first division title in thirty years with a victory or a tie against the Vikings.
It won’t be simple, though, as the Vikings are still in the running for the NFC North title and the playoffs. They can maintain their hopes of winning the division with a victory over Detroit today, as well as by defeating Green Bay the following week and hoping that Detroit loses to Dallas, which would set up a winner takes the division matchup in Detroit on Week 18.
At U.S. Bank Stadium today, a lot is at stake. Five items to be aware of in today’s encounter are as follows:
1. A HOSTILE SETTLEMENT
If you’re an NFL fan who enjoys visiting fantastic venues, U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis ought to be at the top of your list. One of the best NFL atmospheres may be found in this stunning stadium.
The significance of the game and the Vikings’ participation in a “Vikings Winter Whiteout,” in which supporters are encouraged to wear white and players don white uniforms, are the main reasons for the increased excitement today.
Kevin O’Connell, the head coach of Minnesota, stated this week, “Our home crowd can be electric for us this weekend.”
Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Lions, is accepting the challenge.
“Yes, observe, this is going to be a challenging atmosphere,” Campbell remarked. “They play on the road against Minnesota, who have a superb defense and have made a few offensive adjustments based only on crossover film. That being said, this will not be simple. Defending last year’s NFC North champions.
“But, man, there’s no other way we would have it. We have a chance to obtain the next one, so we will be anticipating it. Go out there on the road, challenging atmosphere. As I am certain that I am, so too are our guys. We therefore completed the necessary tasks today against a strong squad to reach 10 victories, and we now need to figure out how to get 11.
This year’s Lions supporters have traveled well, and today the blue will stand out among all the white.
2. BRIAN FLORES VS. BEN JOHNSON
Throughout the year, the two coordinators have performed admirably with their respective squads. In terms of total offense (third), scoring (fifth), rushing (second), and throwing (fourth), Johnson has the Lions rated in the top five. Under Flores’ direction, Minnesota’s defense is now eighth against the run (92.0) and seventh in the league in terms of points allowed (19.5).
Flores has a really original plan. Not only do the Vikings have the highest blitz percentage in the NFL—nearly 50 percent—but they also have the most drops into coverage—eight to be exact.
This week, Johnson responded, “Yeah, it’s the two extremes.” When it comes to offensive situations, our overall mindset is to say, ‘Hey, they’re either max-coverage or max-pressure.'” That’s something that many teams do when they’re in the red zone, but Flores has kind of elevated it. any moment, at any time. This week, it’s been enjoyable to analyze their defense.”
What has Johnson concocted to go after the extremists this morning? The Lions just defeated Denver last week, scoring 42 points.
3. ROOKIE SHOWCASE
First-year players for the Vikings and Lions are both having a significant influence on their clubs.
The combined total of 18 touchdowns by Detroit’s rookie class—tight end Sam LaPorta (9), running back Jahmyr Gibbs (8), and cornerback Brian Branch (1)—is the third-highest since the team relocated to Detroit in 1934.
LaPorta is the top tight end in the NFL in terms of touchdowns scored (9), contested catches (12), 25-plus yard catches (6), receptions (71) and receiving yards (758). In terms of average yards per rush (5.7) and 20-yard rushes (10), Gibbs leads all NFL running backs. The Lions will become the first club in NFL history to have several rookies with nine or more touchdowns if Gibbs scores one more touchdown from scrimmage.
Conversely, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and wide receiver Jordan Addison have been vital to the Vikings’ success this year. The NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 14 was Pace. 77 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 7 quarterback hits, 2 tackles for loss, an interception, and a forced fumble have all been recorded by him through 14 games.
Regarding Pace Jr., Johnson stated this week, “He’s the real deal now.” “He is slippery, he’ll take on blocks, but at the same time, he’ll get right on by in a hurry.”
alongside nine receiving touchdowns, Addison leads the Vikings and shares fourth place among all NFL players alongside LaPorta. With 824 yards, he has caught 62 receptions so far this year.
4. STRENGTH AGAINST STRENGTH
While there are many exciting matchups on the field today, Lions right tackle Penei Sewell vs. Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter is arguably the most significant for both teams. In 14 games, Sewell has only given up one sack and ten rushes. Out of all NFL tackles, he has the lowest pressure percentage (2.8).
With 15.5 sacks, Hunter leads the Vikings and trails just T.J. Watt of Pittsburgh in the NFL. In eleven of the Vikings’ fourteen games this season, he has at least one sack.
The fact that Hunter has recorded several sacks this season when the Vikings have only rushed three and dropped eight into coverage is what makes him so dangerous. He is unrelenting, so the Vikings will have the upper hand if they can pressure quarterback Jared Goff on three-man rushes.
Today’s other strength-on-strength clash is Minnesota’s run defense against Detroit’s rushing attack. Minnesota is limiting its opponents to 92.0 yards per game and 3.7 yards per carry on average. Only one rush of more than 20 yards has been allowed by the Vikings this season.
With 10 rushes of 20 yards or more this season, Gibbs leads the NFL. Detroit boasts the second-best rushing offense in the league (140.9). What gives, then, this day?
5. USE MISTAKES TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
With 26 turnovers this year, Minnesota is ranked 30th in the NFL. With only the New York Jets (15) having more fumbles than them, their 14 are the second highest in the league. They are sixth in terms of interceptions with 12. Today, Nick Mullens will start for the Vikings at quarterback. Last week, in an overtime loss that saw the Vikings lose by three points, Mullens threw two interceptions at the 14 and 22-yard lines in Cincinnati. Throughout his starting career, he is 5-13 with 29 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.
The Lions must seize all opportunities they have to produce takeaways, and there is a considerable possibility they will. Detroit is 24th in the league with 15 takeaways so far this season.
