TVA Predictions: Will the Vikings stuff the Lions on Thanksgiving?
By Adam Patrick
Spencer Suckow:
Vikings win 23-17
The Vikings just can’t seem to get past Detroit lately.
Primarily, it’s because Minnesota hasn’t been able to score and have consistently shot themselves in the foot as a team whenever they play the Lions. This is especially disappointing because the defense has usually been able to hold up their end of the bargain when the two teams have met in the past.
I think things will be different this time. The entire Vikings offense has been clicking as of late, and it seems as though that they have both the balance and explosiveness to compete with any team in the NFL right now.
They’ll need every bit of that balance and explosiveness if they want to keep pace with Matthew Stafford and the Lions. Detroit has shown consistently throughout the past two seasons that no matter how bad of a start they get off to during a game, they’re always capable of making a run and putting up points in short order. Typically, they end up doing just that.
Minnesota Vikings
The key to this game for the Vikings will be stopping that onslaught if they get a lead. While Minnesota obviously has one of the top defenses in the league, Stafford, as well as Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, has gone up against the unit enough times to know their weaknesses and how to attack them.
Also important for the Vikings will be slowing down Detroit’s running game. Lions running back Ameer Abdullah had a nice outing in Week 4 against Minnesota, running for 94 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Detroit’s offense only becomes more lethal when they’re able to keep defenses off balance and establish a legitimate play-action threat.
The Vikings’ defense, coming off a spectacular performance against Todd Gurley and the Los Angeles Rams’ rushing attack, will do just that once again and force the Lions’ offense to become one dimensional.
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Additionally, the red-hot Vikings offense will finally exorcise their Lions-related demons, and put up enough points to sneak out of Detroit with a close win and a three-game lead in the division.