Vikings Flashback: Minnesota eases past Detroit in 2019
By Ali Siddiqui
The Minnesota Vikings last home win came against the Detroit Lions last season.
The 2-5 Minnesota Vikings and 3-4 Detroit Lions are set to face off on Sunday inside U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Vikings are coming off a huge upset win last week over the Green Bay Packers, while the Lions are coming off a blowout loss at home to the Indianapolis Colts.
Against Detroit, Minnesota has won the last five meetings and they lead the all-time series between the two teams 76-39-2.
The Minnesota Vikings swept the Detroit Lions in 2019
The last time the Vikings and Lions faced each other came in Week 14 last season at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota won by a final score of 20-7 and the victory improved their record to 9-4. The Vikings eventually finished the season with a 10-6 record and they went on to defeat the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the playoffs.
During Minnesota’s Week 14 win over Detroit in 2019, Kirk Cousins completed 24 of his 30 pass attempts for 242 yards and a touchdown. Dalvin Cook rushed for 62 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries while Alexander Mattison added 46 more rushing yards on 14 carries.
Stefon Diggs led the Vikings with six receptions for 92 yards and Danielle Hunter recorded three of the team’s five sacks. Minnesota’s defense was also able to snag two interceptions during this win over the Lions.
For Detroit, David Blough completed 24 of his 40 pass attempts for 205 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in relief of Matthew Stafford who was out due to injury. Lions running back Bo Scarbrough rushed for 65 yards on 19 carries, Kenny Golladay finished with six receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown, and Tracy Walker recorded a game-high 13 tackles.
Sunday’s matchup is a very winnable game for the Vikings, especially if Stafford cannot play. He is currently on Detroit’s Reserve/COVID-19 list, so his status for this weekend is up in the air. The Lions will already be without Golladay (hip), Walker (foot), and Trey Flowers (non-disclosed injury).
Minnesota’s chances for a victory seem high, But again, who expected the Vikings to win at Lambeau last week and also get demolished at home three weeks ago against the winless Atlanta Falcons?