4 reasons why the Vikings will beat the Lions in Week 14

Dec 5, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) lines up behind center against the Detroit Lions in the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) lines up behind center against the Detroit Lions in the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports) Dalvin Cook /

Attack the edges

In their first matchup, Dalvin Cook failed to reach 100 yards on the ground. Watch for the Minnesota Vikings to use sweeps and screens to the outside to attack the edges of Detroit’s offense, which is a place they found success in their previous meeting.

The speed and acceleration of Cook might be a difference-maker since the Vikings will need to mix up their attack between the ground and the air. But smashing aginst the middle of the Lions defense is futile.

Cook is currently fifth in the league when it comes to rushing leaders, gaining 927 yards on the ground to this point. There is a chance he could surpass one thousand yards against the Lions in Week 14.

Speedy players like wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jalen Reagor could gain some yardage outside the tackles in addition to sweeps to the edge by Dalvin Cook and Minnesota’s running backs.