3 bold Minnesota Vikings predictions for Week 7 vs. the Detroit Lions

You could argue that the Minnesota Vikings have been waiting since last Christmas for this game. The Vikings will host the Detroit Lions on Sunday, and while they played in a Week 18 game at Ford Field, their Christmas Eve loss last December has to be hanging in the back of their minds.

Nick Mullens threw for 400 yards, and Justin Jefferson had one of his best games of the season, but poor decision-making by Mullens and a major injury to T.J. Hockenson helped the Lions put a lump of coal in the Vikings' stocking.

10 months later, there’s a different feel. The Vikings are no longer a desperate team, and the Lions are worthy contenders in the NFL’s toughest division. With the chance to put a stranglehold on the NFC North, the Vikings will look to avenge two losses toward the end of last season and in this article, we’ll make three bold predictions to see who could win the battle of the North.

Minnesota Vikings predictions for Week 7 vs. the Detroit Lions

1. Justin Jefferson will post his highest receiving total of the season

Through the first five seasons of his career, Jefferson was everything to the Vikings offense. An annual threat for 2,000 yards, Jefferson was a primary means for moving the chains, but big plays were occasional rather than a major focal point of his role.

But this season has been different. Jefferson’s 450 receiving yards through five games are his lowest since his rookie season in 2020, but he also has four touchdowns, which almost matches the total he had in 2023. 

In some ways, Jefferson’s role has shifted in the way a baseball player goes from a singles hitter to a power hitter. When he catches the ball, he makes a big impact, such as the 97-yard touchdown he caught against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, but this week could be a shift toward Jefferson’s old role.

That’s because Jefferson has had a Pro Bowl season worth of success against the Lions. In eight career games against Detroit, Jefferson has 62 catches for 1,073 yards and three touchdowns, including over 150 yards receiving and a touchdown in three of his past five games.

With Hockenson unlikely to return on Sunday, Jefferson could be the key cog in the passing game and it could lead him to the biggest game of the season with a few extra big plays mixed in.

2. Sam Darnold will throw the ball 40 times

Throughout the first five games, the Vikings have utilized their running game for Sam Darnold to make plays. Aaron Jones’s efficiency has played a big role in this and Darnold has capitalized with the type of run that has made even his harshest critics consider him for MVP.

But Jones’s availability for Sunday’s game leaves a wrinkle in Sunday’s game plan. Jones suffered a hamstring injury during warmups before the Vikings’ win over the New York Jets and tried to play through it but ultimately came out of the game. In addition, Jones touched the ball eight times despite coming out of the game in the second quarter.

Even if Jones is playing at less than 100 percent, this isn’t sustainable, and the duo of Ty Chandler and Cam Akers may not be enough to match Jones’ impact in the backfield.

The thought of turning Darnold loose may be terrifying, especially considering he has just as many big-time throws (seven) as turnover-worthy plays (seven), according to Pro Football Focus. But Detroit may be vulnerable through the air with the loss of Aiden Hutchinson and top corner Carlton Davis III coming into Sunday’s game less than 100 percent.

This doesn’t mean the Vikings will completely abandon the running game but it could have more chances for the passing game to make an impact.

3. The Vikings will give up the most rushing yards of the season

Several areas of the Vikings' defense have been impressive this season, but their best may be stopping the run. Minnesota ranks third with 3.6 yards per attempt allowed this season and second behind the Baltimore Ravens with 67.2 rushing yards allowed per game. The Vikings also rank sixth in expected points added against the run and should be a key part of Sunday’s game.

But that’s where the good news ends. Blake Cashman has already been ruled out of Sunday’s game with turf toe, and Harrison Phillips, although he is expected to play, may not be at 100 percent due to a shoulder injury.

While the Vikings have shown the depth needed to excel despite injuries, it may not be enough against a Lions offense that is averaging 4.8 yards per attempt (eighth-best in the NFL) and 157.8 rushing yards per game (fourth).

In many ways, Sunday’s game could come down to who controls the game on the ground. If Jones can provide a punch, the Vikings should be able to open things up and take advantage of a wounded Lions defense. If the Lions can control, they should be able to keep the ball from the Vikings and come away with a win.

It’s the type of game script that plays perfectly in the NFC North and should lead to a banger at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.

Prediction: Vikings win 26-20

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