5 things to know about the Vikings and Lions in Week 17
By Dustin Baker
What are some stats to know about the Minnesota Vikings matchup with the Detroit Lions in Week 17?
The end is nigh.
The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions will meet in Week 17 at Ford Field for an end-of-season showdown. At stake is draft order positioning and respect as both franchises are mathematically disqualified from postseason play. Detroit fired head coach Matt Patricia after Thanksgiving, and the Lions have won just one game since his termination — at the Chicago Bears in Week 13.
The Lions will seek a new head coach in the coming weeks.
Mike Zimmer’s Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention on Christmas day. Minnesota was abused in New Orleans while the Saints halfback, Alvin Kamara, tied an NFL record with six rushing touchdowns. Surrendering 52 points in New Orleans, Zimmer met his defensive rock-bottom. Injuries became insurmountable and reservists players proved incapable of replicating the usual Zimmer standard.
Detroit has dropped six consecutive games to Minnesota. If a time is imminent to even that “score,” it is likely now in 2020 during a seemingly meaningless game. The Vikings will be sans the services of presumed team MVP, Dalvin Cook, after his father passed away this week in Florida. Minnesota will turn to Alexander Mattison (if he plays — he is hampered), Mike Boone, and Ameer Abdullah. Quarterback Kirk Cousins will likely play. So will Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson. Those men should be enough to generate a competent offensive gameplan.
Let’s have a look at a few things to know about this final 2020 matchup between the Vikings and Lions.