Vikings sack the Lions for a crucial NFC North victory

The Minnesota Vikings got their fifth win of the 2018 season after easily defeating the Detroit Lions on Sunday inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

In two games against the Detroit Lions last season, the Minnesota Vikings were able to rack up a total of nine sacks. In the first meeting of 2018 between the two NFC North teams on Sunday, the Vikings’ defense has already passed their sack total against the Lions from a year ago.

Minnesota’s defenders brought the pressure all afternoon long as they cruised to an easy 24-9 victory over Detroit on Sunday. With the win, the Vikings’ 2018 record improves to 5-3-1.

Minnesota’s offense didn’t bring the firepower this week (season-low 283 total yards), but they didn’t have to.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings’ defense was dominant all day long, holding the Lions to just nine points and 209 total yards, forcing Detroit to commit two turnovers, and sacking Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford a whopping 10 times (a new Minnesota franchise record).

With Stefon Diggs sitting out with a rib injury, Vikings receiver Adam Thielen saw a lot more attention from Detroit’s defense this week. Because of this, Thielen’s eight-week streak of 100-yard games came to an end on Sunday as he finished with just four catches for 22 yards and one touchdown.

In his first action since Week 4, Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook had himself a few impressive moments. Cook finished with 109 yards from scrimmage on 14 total touches, including a long 70-yard run in the second quarter.

Sunday’s victory by the Vikings was one that most expected, but it was also one that was very important for them to capture. At 5-3-1, Minnesota now keeps themselves in the thick of the NFC playoff standings and in the running for the NFC North title.

The Vikings have their bye next week and their roster should be able to take advantage of some much needed recovery time. Minnesota will return to action in Week 11 when they head out on the road to take on the Chicago Bears.