The Viking Age
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Key players on Thanksgiving: Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions

By Jordan Ison

Nov 13, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) runs with the ball en route to a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) runs with the ball en route to a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) looks on against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) looks on against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

 Harrison Smith

Harrison Smith is one of the best safeties in the NFL, and he’s proving it again this year. He has been brilliant most of the season at deleting the big plays for opposing teams. He flies around the field like a hawk and the kid also packs a punch.

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Smith leads all Vikings with 73 total tackles. Add on 2 sacks and you see why he is considered one of the top defenders in the league. He proves his intelligence of the game week in and week out.

On November 6, the Lions killed the Vikings with big plays. If the big plays are eliminated, the Vikings win the game. In the week 12 rematch, Harrison Smith will need to help to stop those big plays.

Expect Smith to play with some fire in his eyes, extracting revenge on the NFC North rival. He is a the leader of this secondary, and the Vikings need him to step up in a big way on Thanksgiving.

Next: 5 WILD Vikings predictions in week 12 vs Detroit

In conclusion, the Vikings need success from their passing game and pass rush defense. If Sam Bradford can add his tight end to his list of weapons, expect him to find a lot of success. If the Vikes’ front 7 can get a lot of pressure on Matthew Stafford, expect some mistakes by him. In comes Harrison Smith, who could take advantage of those mistakes. Let’s take over the NFC North!

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