5 Minnesota Vikings players to watch in Week 7 vs. Detroit Lions

Trae Waynes – CB

Trae Waynes‘ name hasn’t been called that much this season. He hasn’t been flagged for a ton of pass interference calls but he hasn’t had a lot of standout plays either. He’s kind of having a middle of the road type of season. He has just 24 tackles on the season with 4 pass breakups and no interceptions. That isn’t great for a guy in a contract year, but the good news is he’s got plenty of games left this season to earn that big loaf of bread.

The Vikings are going to need Waynes at his best this week. The Lions have a great quarterback in Matt Stafford and some dangerous receivers in Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. Waynes will be matched up on one of these guys and maybe both at times if Zim is mixing up the coverages. These are both big, physical receivers who can make game-changing plays. Waynes will need to trust his technique and stay on the hips of these guys all game long. If he can shut them down or even cover them long enough for the pass rush to get to Stafford that will be huge for the Vikings. The sooner Stafford loses confidence in his weapons and offensive line, the better the Vikings chances of winning become.

Waynes is due for a standout play whether it is an interception, a fumble recovery, or a sack. It could come this week against the Lions, in a game the Vikings really need to win.