5 Wild Predictions: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions in week 12
By Jordan Ison
![Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) looks on following the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions defeated the Vikings 22-16. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) looks on following the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions defeated the Vikings 22-16. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8cf765a02667e93435f85d6fc372a36ad1bb65d0acd0833400bd12a2377ee32e.jpg)
Matt Stafford gets sacked 5 times.
When given time in the pocket, Matt Stafford is one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. He has a strong arm with precision accuracy. Expect the Vikings to blitz (and hit) him early and often.
The Vikings’ front 7 showed some serious strength in the week 12 game against the Cardinals by hitting Carson Palmer 23 times and sacking him 4 times.
Mike Zimmer said he wanted to go back to doing things his way, and this is exactly what he was talking about. He wants to put pressure on the quarterback, knowing we have one of the strongest pass rushes in the NFL.
While Matt Stafford is fairly mobile, the Minnesota Vikings’ front 7 has a lot of speed as well. If they put pressure on him, it eliminates the big play; and that’s exactly what the Lions beat Minnesota with on November 6.
The Vikings will rush the Lions very often and sack Stafford 5 times. Minnesota needs to continue sending a strong pass rush, as this is the strength of their defense.