Winners and losers: Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions

Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) gets tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes (26) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Lions win 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) gets tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes (26) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Lions win 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker Brandon Copeland (51) and Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) compete during the game on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker Brandon Copeland (51) and Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) compete during the game on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

 Kyle Rudolph – WINNER

Over the last few weeks, Kyle Rudolph hasn’t made his presence known in the receiving category. One of the top red zone threats in all of the NFL seemingly disappeared as a target for Sam Bradford. This all changed in the Week 12 match-up against the Lions.

Kyle Rudolph finished the game with 9 catches for 64 yards.

Sam Bradford enjoyed his success when passing the ball to Rudolph during the Thanksgiving day game. Rudolph created separation in the middle of the field and Bradford was able to be accurate enough to get the ball to him.

The Vikings need Rudolph to continue to find success for them to make a playoff push. If you look at the teams at the top of the playoff hunt, each of them have a solid tight end. Solid tight ends help to relieve some of the pressure off the quarterback by knowing they have a big target they can find if no receiver is open. Let’s hope Rudolph can continue his success from this game.

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