5 Wild Predictions: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions in week 12

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
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Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings rush for less than 50 yards.

The two biggest disappointments for the Minnesota Vikings this season have been the offensive line and the run game. These two go hand-in-hand. The Vikings will struggle to run the ball again in week 12.

The word of Adrian Peterson resuming light running is huge news for the Vikings’ run game, as it continues to struggle. That will not solve the problem for this week, though.

The Detroit Lions have a strong front 7, just like the Minnesota Vikings. Going against a weak offensive line and a sub-par backfield, expect Detroit’s front 7 to feast.

With the release of Ronnie Hillman, the backfield duties will lie solely with Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata. The run game did look better last week, but it’ll be hard to find success in week 12.

The Vikings will have to depend on Sam Bradford for offensive success, as the run game will struggle again. This is what the Vikes are used to now, though, so it’s nothing to worry about.

Schedule