The Viking Age
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5 things to know about the Vikings and Lions in Week 17

By Dustin Baker

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 08: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings runs a route during the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 8, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 08: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings runs a route during the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 8, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Lions
(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) Everson Griffen /

4. The Lions defense is terrible

Onlookers to the Vikings 2020 performance have endured a defensive season that is substantially less apt than years prior. Minnesota ranks 27th in yards allowed to opponents and 28th in points allowed — abominable for a Zimmer defense.

It could be worse. The happenings in Detroit are more revolting. The Lions are second-worst in the NFL for yards allowed and dead last in points allowed. Put simply, the Vikings will face the worst defense in the NFL this Sunday. This is particularly comical as Matt Patricia — who coached most of the season — was a defensive-minded leader. But it emphatically did not work out in the Motor City.

What’s more, a familiar face awaits on the Lions defensive line. Longtime Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen is now employed in Detroit. Griffen began the season with the Dallas Cowboys but was traded around Halloween. It was a bittersweet transaction as Griffen was jettisoned to a team where he would command more playing time. Yet, that playing time is with an organization that is probably amid a rebuild and is the worst defensive bunch in all of the land.

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