4 Lions players the Vikings should worry about in Week 9

Matt Prater – K

It may be odd to see a kicker on a list like this but, arguably, no kicker in the league has had more success against the Vikings than Matt Prater.

It seems like every time these two teams meet, Prater hits multiple field goals from at least 50 yards away. If it ever comes to a situation where the game is on the line and Prater is lining up to kick it, that kick is guaranteed to split the uprights no matter the distance.

The biggest concern for Minnesota is how they can break this trend. They aren’t known for their ability to block kicks, but perhaps they can attempt some unique schemes this week to try and get to the kicker.

The other way to slow Prater is to hold the Lions offense and keep them from getting into field goal position. With the way the Vikings defense is playing, that may be a taller task than attempting to block a kick.

Minnesota’s defense has been an issue all season. They started with a youth movement and then they were hit with injuries.

This is a group that continuously gives up huge yardage and a ton of points. If the Vikings can bend but then hold Detroit to just driving inside the 50, they can keep Prater at a distance that’ll be extremely difficult for him to do damage.

Even at that distance though, this guy doesn’t seem to miss so the Vikings can’t get into a field goal battle. Instead, Minnesota will need to score six every time they are in the red zone on Sunday.