Minnesota Vikings vs. Lions: Game time, TV, where to watch

The Minnesota Vikings square off against divisional rivals the Detroit Lions Sunday, Sept. 20 at Noon CT from TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Fox television has the broadcast with announcers Sam Rosen and Kirk Morrison. Check 506 Sports to see if the game will be on in your area.

KFAN 100.3 FM and its affiliate networks will carry the game on radio. If you can’t watch or listen to the game you can always follow the action via @thevikingage on Twitter (but be prepared for some sarcasm).

The Vikings are 0-1 coming off a very frustrating defeat last Monday night at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. The Lions experienced their own frustrations in blowing a big lead and losing to the San Diego Chargers.

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Quarterbacks

Teddy Bridgewater looks to rebound for the Vikings after a less-than-stellar performance against the 49ers and their blitzing defense.

Detroit’s Matthew Stafford comes into the game with a sore arm but that shouldn’t deter him from slinging the ball around in typical Stafford fashion.

Running backs

Adrian Peterson ran for just 31 yards on 10 carries against San Francisco and looked uncomfortable as a runner and blocker in the Vikings’ spread sets.

Detroit has a dynamic rookie weapon in Ameer Abdullah. The Vikings’ run defense last week gave up 168 yards to the Niners’ Carlos Hyde.

Receivers/Tight ends

Minnesota failed to get off the ground offensively vs. San Francisco. Receiver Charles Johnson looks to get going after being held to just 2 catches for 27 yards against the 49ers.

Detroit’s #1 weapon Calvin Johnson also had a quiet game week 1, catching just 2 balls for 39 yards against San Diego. Detroit tight end Brandon Pettigrew will miss this game with a strained hamstring.

Offensive line

Minnesota’s line was a big talker all throughout preseason and became an even bigger talker after its struggles week 1 vs. San Francisco. Joe Berger and Brandon Fusco look to bounce back after playing horribly vs. the 49ers and their blitzing defense.

Detroit’s young O-line had its own issues in week 1 especially in pass protection. Look for Mike Zimmer to dial up some fun blitzes to put pressure on this inexperienced unit.

Defensive line

The Vikings’ defensive line was frankly manhandled by San Francisco last week. DE Everson Griffen played particularly poorly and seemed angry about it during the week.

Detroit has lost dominating DT Ndamukong Suh and his replacement Haloti Ngata is injured and listed as questionable.

Linebackers

Minnesota’s linebackers played poorly against San Francisco outside of Anthony Barr. Rookie Eric Kendricks didn’t get much chance to play with the 49ers’ pounding run game keeping the Vikings out of nickel.

Detroit will be without DeAndre Levy for the second straight game, which could be great news for the Vikings’ short-to-intermediate pass attack.

Secondary

Harrison Smith played well vs. San Francisco but the other safety spot remains a concern after both Andrew Sendejo and Robert Blanton struggled. Xavier Rhodes could get the assignment to shadow Calvin Johnson this week.

Detroit was lit up for over 400 yards passing by Philip Rivers and the Chargers last week.

Special teams

Minnesota’s Blair Walsh made one-of-two field goals against San Francisco and still looks uncertain

Detroit is using Ameer Abdullah on kick returns and the Vikings had better be solid in coverage or he could house one on them.

Prediction

Minnesota gets their act together against a familiar opponent at home and beats Detroit 24-17.

Next: Colin Kaepernick destroyed by Harrison Smith

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