4 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions – Week 16
By Adam Patrick
Conklin gets a hometown touchdown
A native of Michigan, rookie Tyler Conklin had some interest from the hometown Detroit Lions heading into the 2018 NFL Draft. However, Conklin didn’t end up staying close to home as the Vikings went ahead and selected the Central Michigan tight end with one of their two fifth-round picks instead.
After not seeing much action during the first portion of Minnesota’s season, Conklin has been making a little more noise during the team’s last two games. Last week against the Dolphins, the rookie tight end caught two passes and led all Vikings players with 53 receiving yards.
With Kevin Stefanski now calling the offensive plays for Minnesota and running a more Pat Shumur-like system, it wouldn’t be surprising if the team tried to get Conklin involved in Sunday’s game plan. Especially if the Vikings found themselves in a situation inside the red zone.
At home this season, Detroit has allowed their opponents to score a touchdown on 67 percent of their trips inside the red zone. So expect Conklin to find his way to the end zone sometime on Sunday and celebrate with his family and friends that will be in attendance.