Vikings to start in Week 7:
Dalvin Cook – RB
As mentioned earlier, the Lions’ defense hasn’t been terrific against the run this season. They’ve allowed 669 rushing yards so far this year, which is an average of nearly 134 yards per game.
With Dalvin Cook averaging nearly 100 yards per matchup this season, this should be a matchup that the Vikings will look to exploit. Cook’s been tremendous for Minnesota all year, and even though he got shut down for most of the Eagles game last week, he should be in line for a huge bounce-back week.
Adam Thielen – WR
The Vikings have used Adam Thielen out of the slot on over 33 percent of his routes according to The Quant Edge, which means he should be matched up on Lions corner Justin Coleman for a bit this week.
Coleman has been a solid corner this year for Detroit. But when he’s lined up in the slot, he’s allowed three touchdowns to opposing receivers. Coincidentally, Thielen has also had three of his touchdowns come from lining up in the slot this season. If Minnesota can exploit this matchup, Thielen could be in for a good game.
Lions to start in Week 7:
Marvin Jones – WR
When Marvin Jones sees more than five targets against the Vikings, it’s dangerous. In the three games that this has happened, Jones has had 260 yards and two touchdowns.
When you look back on his games this year, you see it’s been pretty up and down. The times where he’s played good, he’s gone up against the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia, which are two pretty mediocre secondaries.
He’ll be facing a good Minnesota secondary on Sunday. But the Vikings are going to be focused on shutting down Kenny Golladay and T.J. Hockenson, which means Jones could be a sneaky play this week.