4 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions – Week 16

Vikings pitch a shutout

Even as elite as Minnesota’s defense has become under head coach Mike Zimmer, the team has only one shutout during his tenure. That came last season in Week 16 when the Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers by a final score of 16-0.

That has still been the only time Minnesota has prevented their opponent from scoring a single point since Zimmer was hired in 2014. Before he became the team’s head coach, the Vikings’ last shutout victory came during Week 14 of the 1993 season against the Lions.

On Sunday, Minnesota will look to add to their shutout win total when they take on a Detroit team that is averaging just 15.5 points in their last four games. The Lions’ lowest point total of the year actually came back in Week 9 against the Vikings when they only managed to score a measly nine points.

For this week’s matchup with Minnesota, Detroit will have even less weapons to work with on the offensive side of the ball. The Lions will be attempting to score points on Sunday without the help of wide receiver Marvin Jones and running back Kerryon Johnson, who are both done for the year with injuries.

Detroit’s offense has been so poor recently that Golden Tate is still the team’s third leading receiver this season, despite being traded after Week 8.

With not a whole lot being in their favor, points will likely be very hard to come by for the Lions on Sunday when they take on the Vikings.