The Viking Age
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5 wild predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions

By Josh Zinger

Oct 25, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) prepares to throw the ball during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) prepares to throw the ball during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) and teammates during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) and teammates during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Vikings allow 5+ sacks

Over the past two weeks, the Vikings have allowed 11 sacks, making it almost impossible for the offense to get into a rhythm and move the ball down the field. The offensive line is simply not good, and there is no help in sight. Jake Long is clearly not the answer, and the deadline to make a trade has passed. The Vikings appear to be stuck with one of the worst offensive line groups in the NFL.

To make matters worse, Alex Boone, who has been one of the better players on the unit, has been ruled out against the Lions with a concussion. Zac Kerin, who has filled in when Boone missed time in the past, has not practiced at all this week, and his status is uncertain for the game.

More than likely, the Vikings will be forced to kick backup center Nick Easton out to guard for this week’s game. While Easton had a very solid preseason and has a lot of upside for the future, yet another readjustment to the offensive line is not a good thing.

The Detroit Lions have a solid pass rush, ranking 13th in the league with 18 sacks despite star defensive end Ziggy Ansah missing substantial time to injury. Ansah was a limited participant in practice all week, and appears set to play on Sunday.

The Lions will likely continue to expose the Vikings’ offensive line woes, blowing past would-be blockers for 5+ sacks and keeping the offense largely in check. The Lions are by no means a dominant defense, but the Vikings have a very, very bad offensive line.

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