3 favorable matchups for the Vikings in Week 5 vs. the Lions
By Luke Parrish
Minnesota’s RBs vs. Detroit’s defense
Detroit got exposed in Week 3 against the Packers when they kept two deep safeties and begged Aaron Rodgers to run the ball. Aaron Jones was unstoppable in both the run and pass game that week and the Lions had nothing close to an answer.
That should be the expectation for Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison when they take the field against the Lions. Dalvin Cook was quiet against the Browns before exiting with an ankle injury. If he is cleared to play in Week 5, the Vikings need to stagger their backs and rotate them in to challenge Detroit’s run defense.
Rookie running back Kene Nwangwu could be close to making his debut and this would be a good week to get him into the mix. Using his speed to replicate some of Cook’s explosiveness would make things easier on the offense and on Cook’s health.
In just four games, the Lions have allowed 531 rushing yards, including 188 yards surrendered to the Bears in Week 4. The Vikings need to establish the run to set up the play-action passing game and get their offense back on track. Detroit is the perfect defense to do just that.