3 favorable matchups for the Vikings in Week 5 vs. the Lions
By Luke Parrish
Minnesota’s offensive line vs. Detroit’s pass rush
The Detroit Lions have racked up nine sacks in their first four games, placing them near the middle of the pack in the NFL. After the disaster of a week that Minnesota’s offensive line had against a stout Browns front, they need to clean things up against a much easier opponent.
Christian Darrisaw could be nearing his debut, but there are still several factors that play into his first snaps with the Vikings. Firstly, the team has to be comfortable with making the change from Rashod Hill in the middle of the week while also ensuring that Darrisaw is in shape and ready to go.
It also has to be worth shaking up the chemistry that has been built over the first four weeks of the season, though at some point, the first-round rookie has to make an impact. If there was a week to get Darrisaw into the lineup, I think this is the time to do it.
Seeing Kirk Cousins with time to throw against a secondary of Detroit’s caliber could be a thing of beauty for the Vikings. If he is protected well and the run game gets going, the Vikings will hang 30+ points and get their first divisional win of the season.