3 keys to victory for the Vikings at the Lions in Week 17

Air it out

Not only are the Lions dismal at stopping the run, but they also don’t fare much better in the passing game. Detroit is conceding 278.3 yards-per-game on average through the air and this is another element of the contest that the Minnesota Vikings can take advantage of.

For all Minnesota’s faults this season – and there are many – their ability to move the chains in the passing game has been an eye-catching positive despite their decision to trade away Stefon Diggs this offseason. Rookie sensation Justin Jefferson and veteran Pro Bowler Adam Thielen are already one of the league’s most dynamic receiving duos and providing Kirk Cousins can get the necessary protection, then it should come with some big numbers.

There isn’t a great deal to play for other than pride, so it remains to be seen just how long Mike Zimmer will leave his key starters in the lineup. Putting them in harm’s way at this juncture doesn’t seem like the smartest move in the world, although their competitive spirit would probably dictate they’ll want to right some wrongs from their last time on the gridiron in New Orleans.

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The stakes aren’t that high, either. So it might allow the Vikings to be a little more relaxed and express themselves in the right way against a secondary that has struggled to stop almost everybody they’ve come up against this season.